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If your cat ate common stork's bill — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Common Stork's Bill is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Common Stork's Bill — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take common stork's bill away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 common stork's bill — FAQ

Is common stork's bill poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Common Stork's Bill (Erodium cicutarium) as mildly toxic to cats. Erodium cicutarium is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic Plants database (neither toxic nor confirmed non-toxic). In large quantities it has been associated with photosensitivity in sheep, suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds. As a precautionary classification, mildly-toxic is assigned until a definitive ASPCA or veterinary authority assessment is available. The coiled seeds also present a physical hazard, potentially penetrating a dog's skin or coat. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if concerned.

How serious is it if my cat ate common stork's bill?

Common Stork's Bill 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. Erodium cicutarium is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic Plants database (neither toxic nor confirmed non-toxic). In large quantities it has been associated with photosensitivity in sheep, suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds. As a precautionary classification, mildly-toxic is assigned until a definitive ASPCA or veterinary authority assessment is available. The coiled seeds also present a physical hazard, potentially penetrating a dog's skin or coat. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if concerned. 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 common stork's bill well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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