Pet emergency
My cat ate Hairy Solomon's Seal — what to do
Step by step
- Take hairy solomon's seal 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 hairy solomon's seal — FAQ
Is hairy solomon's seal poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hairy Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum pubescens) as mildly toxic to cats. Contains steroidal saponins in leaves, stems, roots, and berries, consistent with the Polygonatum genus. ASPCA lists related P. odoratum as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and lethargy. Berries pose additional risk. Keep pets away from all plant parts.
How serious is it if my cat ate hairy solomon's seal?
Hairy Solomon's Seal 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. Contains steroidal saponins in leaves, stems, roots, and berries, consistent with the Polygonatum genus. ASPCA lists related P. odoratum as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and lethargy. Berries pose additional risk. Keep pets away from all plant parts. 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 hairy solomon's seal well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is hairy solomon's seal toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Hairy Solomon's Seal and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide