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Pet safety

Is Bishop's flower toxic to cats?

Ammi majus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bishop's flower as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Ammi majus contains furanocoumarins (psoralens) which are photosensitising compounds — contact with the sap followed by UV exposure can cause phytophotodermatitis (skin blistering) in humans and animals. The ASPCA does not individually list Ammi majus, but furancoumarin-containing Apiaceae species are generally considered mildly hazardous. Wear gloves when handling; keep pets from chewing large amounts of foliage.

What to do if your cat ate bishop's flower

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bishop's flower 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 bishop's flower to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bishop's flower toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bishop's flower toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bishop's flower as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Ammi majus contains furanocoumarins (psoralens) which are photosensitising compounds — contact with the sap followed by UV exposure can cause phytophotodermatitis (skin blistering) in humans and animals. The ASPCA does not individually list Ammi majus, but furancoumarin-containing Apiaceae species are generally considered mildly hazardous. Wear gloves when handling; keep pets from chewing large amounts of foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bishop's flower?

Ammi majus contains furanocoumarins (psoralens) which are photosensitising compounds — contact with the sap followed by UV exposure can cause phytophotodermatitis (skin blistering) in humans and animals. The ASPCA does not individually list Ammi majus, but furancoumarin-containing Apiaceae species are generally considered mildly hazardous. Wear gloves when handling; keep pets from chewing large amounts of foliage. 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 bishop's flower.

What should I do if my cat ate bishop's flower?

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 bishop's flower toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bishop's flower is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bishop's flower pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bishop's flower?

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 bishop's flower pet-safety