Pet safety
Is English ivytoxic to cats & dogs?
Hedera helix
Is english ivy safe for cats and dogs?
No — english ivy is toxic to cats and dogs and should be kept well away from pets that chew plants. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling.
What happens if a pet eats english ivy?
ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to english ivy, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate english ivy
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move english ivy out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of english ivy to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to english ivy
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
English ivy and pets — frequently asked questions
Is english ivy toxic to cats?
English ivy (Hedera helix) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is english ivy toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: English ivy is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like english ivy is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats english ivy?
ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to english ivy, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate english ivy?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of english ivy to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to english ivy?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full english ivy care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete english ivy care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.