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Pet safety

Is Bloodroot toxic to cats?

Sanguinaria canadensis

Toxic to cats

Yes — bloodroot 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. Sanguinaria canadensis contains sanguinarine and other benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in all parts, particularly concentrated in the rhizome. These compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans — causing vomiting, hypersalivation, and in large doses, serious systemic effects. ASPCA lists Sanguinaria canadensis as toxic to dogs and cats. The red sap can also cause skin irritation and should not contact mucous membranes.

What to do if your cat ate bloodroot

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

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

Is bloodroot toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bloodroot toxic to cats?

Yes — bloodroot is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Sanguinaria canadensis contains sanguinarine and other benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in all parts, particularly concentrated in the rhizome. These compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans — causing vomiting, hypersalivation, and in large doses, serious systemic effects. ASPCA lists Sanguinaria canadensis as toxic to dogs and cats. The red sap can also cause skin irritation and should not contact mucous membranes.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bloodroot?

Sanguinaria canadensis contains sanguinarine and other benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in all parts, particularly concentrated in the rhizome. These compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans — causing vomiting, hypersalivation, and in large doses, serious systemic effects. ASPCA lists Sanguinaria canadensis as toxic to dogs and cats. The red sap can also cause skin irritation and should not contact mucous membranes. 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 bloodroot.

What should I do if my cat ate bloodroot?

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 bloodroot toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bloodroot is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bloodroot pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bloodroot?

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 bloodroot pet-safety