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If your cat ate red horned 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.

Red Horned Poppy is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Red Horned Poppy — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take red horned 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 red horned poppy — FAQ

Is red horned poppy poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Red Horned Poppy (Glaucium corniculatum) as toxic to cats. Glaucium corniculatum contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including aporphine- and protopine-type compounds) throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhoea), CNS depression, sedation, and ataxia. The orange-yellow latex irritates skin and mucous membranes on contact. Contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion is suspected.

How serious is it if my cat ate red horned poppy?

Red Horned Poppy 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. Glaucium corniculatum contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including aporphine- and protopine-type compounds) throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhoea), CNS depression, sedation, and ataxia. The orange-yellow latex irritates skin and mucous membranes on contact. Contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 red horned 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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