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If your cat ate western columbine — 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.

Western Columbine is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Western Columbine — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take western columbine 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 western columbine — FAQ

Is western columbine poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) as toxic to cats. All parts of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding.

How serious is it if my cat ate western columbine?

Western Columbine 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. All parts of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding. 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 western columbine well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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