Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is American Wood Anemone toxic to cats?

Anemone quinquefolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — american wood anemone is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All fresh parts contain protoanemonin, a toxic vesicant glycoside that irritates mucous membranes and causes contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested; symptoms include drooling, burning sensation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin or eye irritation from sap. The NCSU Extension classifies it as a low-to-moderate severity poison; the toxic compound degrades in dried plant material. Wear gloves when handling. Classed as toxic to pets by veterinary sources; not separately listed by the ASPCA but the Anemone genus is consistently flagged by veterinary plant-poison resources.

What to do if your cat ate american wood anemone

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move american wood anemone out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of american wood anemone to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten american wood anemone, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is american wood anemone toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is american wood anemone toxic to cats?

Yes — american wood anemone is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All fresh parts contain protoanemonin, a toxic vesicant glycoside that irritates mucous membranes and causes contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested; symptoms include drooling, burning sensation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin or eye irritation from sap. The NCSU Extension classifies it as a low-to-moderate severity poison; the toxic compound degrades in dried plant material. Wear gloves when handling. Classed as toxic to pets by veterinary sources; not separately listed by the ASPCA but the Anemone genus is consistently flagged by veterinary plant-poison resources.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats american wood anemone?

All fresh parts contain protoanemonin, a toxic vesicant glycoside that irritates mucous membranes and causes contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested; symptoms include drooling, burning sensation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin or eye irritation from sap. The NCSU Extension classifies it as a low-to-moderate severity poison; the toxic compound degrades in dried plant material. Wear gloves when handling. Classed as toxic to pets by veterinary sources; not separately listed by the ASPCA but the Anemone genus is consistently flagged by veterinary plant-poison resources. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to american wood anemone.

What should I do if my cat ate american wood anemone?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is american wood anemone toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: American Wood Anemone is toxic to dogs as well. See the full american wood anemone pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to american wood anemone?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full american wood anemone pet-safety