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Pet safety

Is Bird-in-a-bush toxic to cats?

Corydalis solida

Toxic to cats

Yes — bird-in-a-bush 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. Corydalis species contain isoquinoline alkaloids (including bulbocapnine and corydaline) that are toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Corydalis species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, sedation, tremors, and ataxia. All parts of the plant should be considered toxic.

What to do if your cat ate bird-in-a-bush

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bird-in-a-bush 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 bird-in-a-bush to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bird-in-a-bush toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bird-in-a-bush toxic to cats?

Yes — bird-in-a-bush is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Corydalis species contain isoquinoline alkaloids (including bulbocapnine and corydaline) that are toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Corydalis species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, sedation, tremors, and ataxia. All parts of the plant should be considered toxic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bird-in-a-bush?

Corydalis species contain isoquinoline alkaloids (including bulbocapnine and corydaline) that are toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Corydalis species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, sedation, tremors, and ataxia. All parts of the plant should be considered toxic. 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 bird-in-a-bush.

What should I do if my cat ate bird-in-a-bush?

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 bird-in-a-bush toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bird-in-a-bush is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bird-in-a-bush pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bird-in-a-bush?

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 bird-in-a-bush pet-safety