Pet emergency
My cat ate Pink Variable Heron's Bill — what to do
Step by step
- Take pink variable heron's bill 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 pink variable heron's bill — FAQ
Is pink variable heron's bill poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pink Variable Heron's Bill (Erodium x variabile 'Roseum') as mildly toxic to cats. Erodium x variabile is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The parent species and genus are widely considered non-toxic, but specific ASPCA confirmation is absent for this hybrid; a mildly-toxic precautionary rating is applied. No known harmful toxic principles reported in Erodium.
How serious is it if my cat ate pink variable heron's bill?
Pink Variable Heron's Bill 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. Erodium x variabile is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The parent species and genus are widely considered non-toxic, but specific ASPCA confirmation is absent for this hybrid; a mildly-toxic precautionary rating is applied. No known harmful toxic principles reported in Erodium. 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 pink variable heron's bill well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pink variable heron's bill toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Pink Variable Heron's Bill and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide