Pet emergency
My cat ate Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' — what to do
Step by step
- Take lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' 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 lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' — FAQ
Is lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart') as toxic to cats. Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and staggering; large amounts may trigger seizures. Handling may cause mild skin irritation.
How serious is it if my cat ate lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'?
Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' 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. Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and staggering; large amounts may trigger seizures. Handling may cause mild skin irritation. 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 lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide