Pet emergency
My cat ate Agapanthus 'Headbourne Hybrids' — what to do
Step by step
- Take agapanthus 'headbourne hybrids' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate agapanthus 'headbourne hybrids' — FAQ
Is agapanthus 'headbourne hybrids' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Agapanthus 'Headbourne Hybrids' (Agapanthus 'Headbourne Hybrids') as mildly toxic to cats. Agapanthus is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database; it is not a true lily (not Liliaceae) and does not cause lily-type kidney failure. However the sap and rhizomes contain saponins that can cause drooling, vomiting and mouth irritation if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if ingested.
How serious is it if my cat ate agapanthus 'headbourne hybrids'?
Agapanthus 'Headbourne Hybrids' is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Agapanthus is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database; it is not a true lily (not Liliaceae) and does not cause lily-type kidney failure. However the sap and rhizomes contain saponins that can cause drooling, vomiting and mouth irritation if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if ingested. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep agapanthus 'headbourne hybrids' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is agapanthus 'headbourne hybrids' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Agapanthus 'Headbourne Hybrids' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide