Is Yellow Bells Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Yellow Trumpetbush, Esperanza, Trumpet Flower, Tecoma stans · Tecoma stans
What makes it toxic
Irritant compounds including indole alkaloids and saponins in leaves, flowers and seed pods that disturb the gut and pupils in quantity.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and mild lethargy within hours; dilated pupils can appear in more noticeable cases.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material, offer water and monitor. Call your vet if vomiting persists or dilated pupils and lethargy last more than a day.
Common questions
Is yellow bells the same plant as yellow oleander?
No — yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia) is severely toxic with cardiac glycosides, while Tecoma stans is a mild irritant. Telling them apart matters, so check the botanical name.
Are the long seed pods the dangerous part?
Pods concentrate the compounds, so keep fallen pods raked. Still, the plant overall sits in the mild-irritant range rather than the deadly one.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.