Pet emergency
My cat ate Sessile-leaved Bellwort — what to do
Step by step
- Take sessile-leaved bellwort 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 sessile-leaved bellwort — FAQ
Is sessile-leaved bellwort poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Sessile-leaved Bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia) as mildly toxic to cats. 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 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 sessile-leaved bellwort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is sessile-leaved bellwort toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Sessile-leaved Bellwort and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide