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.
cat safety reference
Is Castor Bean safe for cats?
Ricinus communis
The African Wonder Tree is a fast-growing ornamental shrub known for its large, palm-like leaves and unique seed pods. It contains ricin, a highly potent toxin found throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the seeds.
African Wonder TreeCastor BeanCastor Oil PlantRicinus communis
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Castor bean is highly toxic to cats — ASPCA Poison Control flags any ingestion, especially seeds, as a medical emergency. The toxic principle is ricin, a protein-synthesis inhibitor; ASPCA warns that as little as one ounce of seeds can be lethal. Don't wait for symptoms to develop before calling.
What to watch for
Early signs: oral irritation and burning of the mouth and throat, drooling, intense thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. As ricin spreads, watch for loss of appetite, weakness, abdominal pain, trembling, loss of coordination, and bloody diarrhea. Severe cases progress to convulsions and kidney failure.
Time window
Per ASPCA, signs typically develop 12–48 hours after ingestion, though oral irritation and vomiting can begin within minutes to a few hours of chewing seeds. Without aggressive in-clinic treatment, severe cases can progress to kidney failure, convulsions, and coma over 1–3 days.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. Any suspected ingestion of castor bean — seeds, leaves, or processed mash — is a 'go now' situation, not a 'wait and see.' Phone ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 on the way to the clinic.
First aid at home
Get your cat to a veterinarian immediately — don't wait for symptoms. Take a sample or photo of the plant, and a count of seeds if possible. Do not induce vomiting at home unless ASPCA Poison Control or your vet specifically directs you to.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, and potential tremors or seizures.
Escalation note
This plant is considered highly toxic. Ingestion of any part, especially seeds, is a medical emergency; contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
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
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Ricinus communis is a large, fast-growing shrub that is highly poisonous if ingested.
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