Pet emergency
My cat ate Golden Creeping Jenny — what to do
Step by step
- Take golden creeping jenny 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 golden creeping jenny — FAQ
Is golden creeping jenny poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') as mildly toxic to cats. Lysimachia nummularia is not individually listed by the ASPCA on its toxic or non-toxic plant databases. The Primulaceae family (formerly Myrsinaceae) has no well-established systemic toxin for pets, but some sources note potential mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Treat with caution and consult a vet if significant ingestion by a pet occurs.
How serious is it if my cat ate golden creeping jenny?
Golden Creeping Jenny 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. Lysimachia nummularia is not individually listed by the ASPCA on its toxic or non-toxic plant databases. The Primulaceae family (formerly Myrsinaceae) has no well-established systemic toxin for pets, but some sources note potential mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Treat with caution and consult a vet if significant ingestion by a pet occurs. 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 golden creeping jenny well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is golden creeping jenny toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Golden Creeping Jenny and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide