Growli
Get the app

If your cat ate sneezeweed — 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.

Sneezeweed is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Sneezeweed — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take sneezeweed 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 sneezeweed — FAQ

Is sneezeweed poisonous to cats?

Yes — Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is regarded as toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Though not individually listed in the ASPCA's searchable database, Helenium is documented as poisonous by USDA ARS and Colorado State University's poisonous-plant guide: the whole plant contains toxic sesquiterpene lactones. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with weakness or incoordination in larger doses; keep away from pets and livestock.

How serious is it if my cat ate sneezeweed?

Sneezeweed is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Though not individually listed in the ASPCA's searchable database, Helenium is documented as poisonous by USDA ARS and Colorado State University's poisonous-plant guide: the whole plant contains toxic sesquiterpene lactones. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with weakness or incoordination in larger doses; keep away from pets and livestock. 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 sneezeweed 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.

Related