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If your cat ate sessile-leaved bellwort — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Sessile-leaved Bellwort is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Sessile-leaved Bellwort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take sessile-leaved bellwort 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate sessile-leaved bellwort — FAQ

Is sessile-leaved bellwort poisonous to cats?

Yes — Sessile-leaved Bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Uvularia sessilifolia belongs to the Colchicaceae family. All parts of the plant are reported to contain toxic compounds; at least one horticultural source states it is toxic if ingested and recommends keeping it away from pets and children. The ASPCA does not list this species in its published database. In the absence of a confirmed non-toxic ASPCA listing, mildly-toxic classification is applied. Symptoms of ingestion may include gastrointestinal upset.

How serious is it if my cat ate sessile-leaved bellwort?

Sessile-leaved Bellwort 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. Uvularia sessilifolia belongs to the Colchicaceae family. All parts of the plant are reported to contain toxic compounds; at least one horticultural source states it is toxic if ingested and recommends keeping it away from pets and children. The ASPCA does not list this species in its published database. In the absence of a confirmed non-toxic ASPCA listing, mildly-toxic classification is applied. Symptoms of ingestion may include gastrointestinal upset. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep sessile-leaved bellwort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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