Pet safety
Is Mother of Pearl poppytoxic to cats & dogs?
Papaver rhoeas 'Mother of Pearl'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Papaver rhoeas 'Mother of Pearl'
Is mother of pearl poppy safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Mother of Pearl poppy is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. 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. Papaver rhoeas contains small amounts of isoquinoline alkaloids and rhoeadine. Ingestion of foliage or seed pods can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. The plant is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but the Papaveraceae family has recognised mild toxicity; treat as mildly toxic and keep pets and children away from plants and seeds.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats mother of pearl poppy?
Papaver rhoeas contains small amounts of isoquinoline alkaloids and rhoeadine. Ingestion of foliage or seed pods can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. The plant is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but the Papaveraceae family has recognised mild toxicity; treat as mildly toxic and keep pets and children away from plants and seeds. 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 mother of pearl poppy, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate mother of pearl poppy
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move mother of pearl poppy 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 mother of pearl poppy 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 mother of pearl poppy
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Mother of Pearl poppy and pets — frequently asked questions
Is mother of pearl poppy toxic to cats?
Mother of Pearl poppy (Papaver rhoeas 'Mother of Pearl') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Papaver rhoeas contains small amounts of isoquinoline alkaloids and rhoeadine. Ingestion of foliage or seed pods can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. The plant is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but the Papaveraceae family has recognised mild toxicity; treat as mildly toxic and keep pets and children away from plants and seeds. 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 mother of pearl poppy toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Mother of Pearl poppy (Papaver rhoeas 'Mother of Pearl') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like mother of pearl poppy is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats mother of pearl poppy?
Papaver rhoeas contains small amounts of isoquinoline alkaloids and rhoeadine. Ingestion of foliage or seed pods can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. The plant is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but the Papaveraceae family has recognised mild toxicity; treat as mildly toxic and keep pets and children away from plants and seeds. 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 mother of pearl poppy, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate mother of pearl poppy?
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 mother of pearl poppy to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to mother of pearl poppy?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 mother of pearl poppy care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete mother of pearl poppy care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.