Pet emergency
My cat ate Common Peony 'Rubra Plena' — what to do
Step by step
- Take common peony 'rubra plena' 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 common peony 'rubra plena' — FAQ
Is common peony 'rubra plena' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Common Peony 'Rubra Plena' (Paeonia officinalis) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Paeonia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Paeonol and other compounds are found throughout the plant, with higher concentrations in the bark and roots.
How serious is it if my cat ate common peony 'rubra plena'?
Common Peony 'Rubra Plena' 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. The ASPCA lists Paeonia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Paeonol and other compounds are found throughout the plant, with higher concentrations in the bark and roots. 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 common peony 'rubra plena' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is common peony 'rubra plena' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Common Peony 'Rubra Plena' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide