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If your cat ate hollow-rooted fumewort — 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.

Hollow-Rooted Fumewort is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Hollow-Rooted Fumewort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take hollow-rooted fumewort 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 hollow-rooted fumewort — FAQ

Is hollow-rooted fumewort poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Hollow-Rooted Fumewort (Corydalis cava) as toxic to cats. Like all Corydalis species, C. cava contains isoquinoline alkaloids — notably corydaline, bulbocapnine, and protopine — throughout the tuber, leaves, and flowers. ASPCA lists Corydalis as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; effects include tremors, ataxia, sedation, and cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The hollow tuber is particularly concentrated in alkaloids. Ingestion of any part warrants prompt veterinary attention.

How serious is it if my cat ate hollow-rooted fumewort?

Hollow-Rooted Fumewort is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 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. Like all Corydalis species, C. cava contains isoquinoline alkaloids — notably corydaline, bulbocapnine, and protopine — throughout the tuber, leaves, and flowers. ASPCA lists Corydalis as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; effects include tremors, ataxia, sedation, and cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The hollow tuber is particularly concentrated in alkaloids. Ingestion of any part warrants prompt veterinary attention. 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 hollow-rooted fumewort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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