Pet emergency
My cat ate Armand's Clematis — what to do
Step by step
- Take armand's clematis 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate armand's clematis — FAQ
Is armand's clematis poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Armand's Clematis (Clematis armandii) as toxic to cats. Clematis armandii contains protoanemonin, the toxic compound present throughout the Clematis genus, listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and irritation of the oral mucosa. Contact with sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
How serious is it if my cat ate armand's clematis?
Armand's Clematis is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Clematis armandii contains protoanemonin, the toxic compound present throughout the Clematis genus, listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and irritation of the oral mucosa. Contact with sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep armand's clematis well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- Is armand's clematis toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Armand's Clematis and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant