Pet emergency
My cat ate Cusick's Camas — what to do
Step by step
- Take cusick's camas 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 cusick's camas — FAQ
Is cusick's camas poisonous to cats?
Yes — Cusick's Camas (Camassia cusickii) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Camassia cusickii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus is not on established toxic-plant lists for cats or dogs, but it has not been definitively confirmed as pet-safe either. Out of caution a mildly-toxic rating is applied; the bulbs should be kept out of reach of pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate cusick's camas?
Cusick's Camas 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. Camassia cusickii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus is not on established toxic-plant lists for cats or dogs, but it has not been definitively confirmed as pet-safe either. Out of caution a mildly-toxic rating is applied; the bulbs should be kept out of reach of pets. 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 cusick's camas 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
- My cat ate cusick's camas — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- My cat ate cusick's camas — our other guide for the same plant
- Is cusick's camas toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Cusick's Camas 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