Saponins, which are toxins found in the wild coffee tree, can cause skin irritation as well as pain in a cat’s oral cavity and gastrointestinal system if consumed. If your cat rubs up against a wild coffee tree, he may be physically or orally exposed to these toxins if he chews on or eats a section of the tree. Contact dermatitis, vomiting, loss of appetite, sadness, weariness, overall weakness, and an elevated heart rate are some of the symptoms.
Although wild coffee tree poisoning is seldom lethal or causes life-threatening consequences, you should be cautious if this plant grows nearby. If your cat has consumed this plant, seek quick veterinarian attention.
What Is Wild Coffee?
Polyscias guilfoylei, sometimes known as the coffee tree, wild coffee, or Geranium-Leaf Aralia, is a popular houseplant native to Southeast Asia. They grow slowly and can be trimmed to keep the appropriate size. Wild coffee trees may grow to be six to eight feet tall if not pruned. The magnificent leaves are occasionally variegated with white or yellow borders, although they can also be entirely green.
The wild coffee tree is an evergreen shrub that has been widely grown as an ornamental and as a hedge or windbreak across the tropics and subtropics. It has evaded cultivation and has the ability to dispense with beneficial plants. It grows in lowland regions, disturbed areas near villages, abandoned farms, and beside roadways. It is frequently used as an attractive plant in gardens, yards, and parks. It is often cultivated in agricultural regions as a living barrier and windbreak.
Clinical Signs of Wild Coffee Poisoning in Cats
If your cat just consumes a tiny amount of wild coffee tree or is exposed to it physically for a brief period of time, it may not exhibit any symptoms. If your cat consumes a significant amount, he or she may develop symptoms as soon as the exposure happens, such as:
- Dermatitis
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Depression
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Elevated heart rate
First Aid and Treatment of Wild Coffee Poisoning in Cats
Your cat may require intravenous fluids to counteract dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
The veterinarian may induce vomiting and then administer activated charcoal when the vomiting has stopped. A gastric lavage, which is a medical term for clearing the cat’s stomach with fluids, may also be done.
If your cat has not developed any gastrointestinal problems, he may merely be suffering from topical coffee tree exposure. In this scenario, the veterinarian may merely need to provide a corticosteroid to relieve the swelling and inflammation of the afflicted skin.
Recovery from Wild Coffee Poisoning in Cats
The vast majority of cats poisoned by wild coffee plants will recover entirely. As with other forms of poisoning, the sooner you bring your cat to the clinic for treatment, the better his chances of making a full recovery.
Prevention of Wild Coffee Poisoning in Cats
If wild coffee plants are growing in your area, keeping your cats indoors would be the best thing to do to prevent another poisoning incident. Keep your cats engaged and mentally stimulated inside your home to reduce the chance of wandering away from home.
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