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If your cat ate houttuynia cordata — 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.

Houttuynia cordata is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Houttuynia cordata — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take houttuynia cordata 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 houttuynia cordata — FAQ

Is houttuynia cordata poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Houttuynia cordata (Houttuynia cordata) as mildly toxic to cats. Houttuynia cordata is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although used as a culinary herb in parts of Asia, the plant contains aristolactams (structural analogues of nephrotoxic aristolochic acid), so it is not assumed pet-safe and ingestion by cats or dogs should be discouraged.

How serious is it if my cat ate houttuynia cordata?

Houttuynia cordata 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. Houttuynia cordata is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although used as a culinary herb in parts of Asia, the plant contains aristolactams (structural analogues of nephrotoxic aristolochic acid), so it is not assumed pet-safe and ingestion by cats or dogs should be discouraged. 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 houttuynia cordata well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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