Pet emergency
My cat ate Atlantic Wild Indigo — what to do
Step by step
- Take atlantic wild indigo 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 atlantic wild indigo — FAQ
Is atlantic wild indigo poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Atlantic Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba var. macrophylla) as toxic to cats. Contains quinolizidine alkaloids, primarily cytisine, which are toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal spasms, and nausea. The bitter taste generally deters consumption but pets should be kept away from all plant parts. Note: Baptisia leucantha is now treated as a synonym for Baptisia alba var. macrophylla by most authorities.
How serious is it if my cat ate atlantic wild indigo?
Atlantic Wild Indigo is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 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. Contains quinolizidine alkaloids, primarily cytisine, which are toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal spasms, and nausea. The bitter taste generally deters consumption but pets should be kept away from all plant parts. Note: Baptisia leucantha is now treated as a synonym for Baptisia alba var. macrophylla by most authorities. 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 atlantic wild indigo well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is atlantic wild indigo toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Atlantic Wild Indigo and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide