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If your cat ate cusick's camas — 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.

Cusick's Camas is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Cusick's Camas — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take cusick's camas 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 cusick's camas — FAQ

Is cusick's camas poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Cusick's Camas (Camassia cusickii) as mildly toxic to cats. Camassia cusickii is not listed individually on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The bulbs have a long history of use as human food by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and the plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ASPCA verification for this specific species in cats and dogs is absent, and C. cusickii is sometimes cited as potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Out of caution, classify as mildly toxic — consult a vet if a cat or dog ingests any part, particularly the bulb. Caution: Camassia can be confused in the field with death camas (Anticlea, formerly Zigadenus), which is highly toxic; only cultivate known, correctly identified stock.

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 listed individually on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The bulbs have a long history of use as human food by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and the plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ASPCA verification for this specific species in cats and dogs is absent, and C. cusickii is sometimes cited as potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Out of caution, classify as mildly toxic — consult a vet if a cat or dog ingests any part, particularly the bulb. Caution: Camassia can be confused in the field with death camas (Anticlea, formerly Zigadenus), which is highly toxic; only cultivate known, correctly identified stock. 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 cusick's camas well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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