Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Geranium Aralia safe for cats?
Polyscias guilfoylei
Polyscias guilfoylei is a tropical evergreen shrub often grown as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive, lacy foliage. It contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by household pets.
Coffee TreeGeranium AraliaGuilfoyle's AraliaPolyscias guilfoylei
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: geranium aralia (also sold as coffee tree) is toxic. ASPCA names saponin as the toxic principle and notes contact dermatitis as well as GI signs. The plant is a common houseplant in the Aralia family, and a curious cat that chews a leaf typically ends up with a sore mouth and an unhappy stomach rather than systemic illness.
What to watch for
Most common: vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression (quiet, withdrawn behavior). Skin contact can cause dermatitis — redness or irritation where sap touched the cat's mouth, paws, or coat. Drooling and pawing at the mouth often signal oral irritation from chewing the leaves.
Time window
Saponin-related GI signs in cats typically begin within a few hours of ingestion and resolve in 24–48 hours; ASPCA does not give a specific time window for this plant.
When to call the vet
Call if vomiting is repeated, if your cat refuses food or water for more than 12 hours, if drooling is profuse, or if you see swelling around the mouth or face. ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) is a good first call when you're not sure how much the cat ingested.
Sources: ASPCA (no specific first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Coffee tree is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to potential irritation.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical nomenclature for Polyscias guilfoylei.
Same cat verdict
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