Pet emergency
My cat ate Ithuriel's Spear — what to do
Step by step
- Take ithuriel's spear 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 ithuriel's spear — FAQ
Is ithuriel's spear poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Ithuriel's Spear (Triteleia laxa) as mildly toxic to cats. Triteleia laxa (previously classified under Brodiaea) does not appear on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no authoritative formal safety classification for cats and dogs has been confirmed. In the absence of a confirmed non-toxic listing, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is used here. Consult a veterinarian if a pet is suspected of having ingested any part of the plant.
How serious is it if my cat ate ithuriel's spear?
Ithuriel's Spear 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. Triteleia laxa (previously classified under Brodiaea) does not appear on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no authoritative formal safety classification for cats and dogs has been confirmed. In the absence of a confirmed non-toxic listing, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is used here. Consult a veterinarian if a pet is suspected of having ingested any part of the plant. 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 ithuriel's spear well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is ithuriel's spear toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Ithuriel's Spear and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide