Pet emergency
My cat ate Pyrenean Merendera — what to do
Step by step
- Take pyrenean merendera 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 pyrenean merendera — FAQ
Is pyrenean merendera poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pyrenean Merendera (Merendera montana) as toxic to cats. Merendera montana belongs to the family Colchicaceae and contains the tropolone alkaloids colchicine, 3-demethylcolchicine, and colchicoside — the same toxic principles as autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans can cause severe multi-system toxicity including vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression, respiratory failure, and death. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any suspected ingestion.
How serious is it if my cat ate pyrenean merendera?
Pyrenean Merendera 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. Merendera montana belongs to the family Colchicaceae and contains the tropolone alkaloids colchicine, 3-demethylcolchicine, and colchicoside — the same toxic principles as autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans can cause severe multi-system toxicity including vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression, respiratory failure, and death. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any suspected ingestion. 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 pyrenean merendera well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pyrenean merendera toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Pyrenean Merendera and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide