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If your cat ate hemlock water dropwort — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Hemlock Water Dropwort is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Hemlock Water Dropwort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take hemlock water dropwort 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 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.
  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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate hemlock water dropwort — FAQ

Is hemlock water dropwort poisonous to cats?

Yes — Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) is regarded as toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact.

How serious is it if my cat ate hemlock water dropwort?

Hemlock Water Dropwort is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact. 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 hemlock water dropwort 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.

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