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If your cat ate mother of pearl poppy — 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.

Mother of Pearl poppy is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Mother of Pearl poppy — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take mother of pearl poppy 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 mother of pearl poppy — FAQ

Is mother of pearl poppy poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Mother of Pearl poppy (Papaver rhoeas 'Mother of Pearl') as mildly toxic to cats. Papaver rhoeas contains small amounts of isoquinoline alkaloids and rhoeadine. Ingestion of foliage or seed pods can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. The plant is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but the Papaveraceae family has recognised mild toxicity; treat as mildly toxic and keep pets and children away from plants and seeds.

How serious is it if my cat ate mother of pearl poppy?

Mother of Pearl poppy 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. Papaver rhoeas contains small amounts of isoquinoline alkaloids and rhoeadine. Ingestion of foliage or seed pods can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. The plant is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but the Papaveraceae family has recognised mild toxicity; treat as mildly toxic and keep pets and children away from plants and seeds. 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 mother of pearl poppy well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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