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Is Broad-leaved Helleborine toxic to cats?

Epipactis helleborine

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists broad-leaved helleborine 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. Epipactis helleborine is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs, so confirmed safety cannot be stated. Scientific research has identified opioid-like alkaloids (including trace oxycodone and morphinan derivatives) in the nectar of this orchid, which have a narcotic intoxicating effect on its wasp pollinators. The significance of these compounds to cats or dogs ingesting plant material is unknown. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; keep pets away from the plant.

What to do if your cat ate broad-leaved helleborine

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

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

Is broad-leaved helleborine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is broad-leaved helleborine toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists broad-leaved helleborine 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. Epipactis helleborine is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs, so confirmed safety cannot be stated. Scientific research has identified opioid-like alkaloids (including trace oxycodone and morphinan derivatives) in the nectar of this orchid, which have a narcotic intoxicating effect on its wasp pollinators. The significance of these compounds to cats or dogs ingesting plant material is unknown. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; keep pets away from the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats broad-leaved helleborine?

Epipactis helleborine is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs, so confirmed safety cannot be stated. Scientific research has identified opioid-like alkaloids (including trace oxycodone and morphinan derivatives) in the nectar of this orchid, which have a narcotic intoxicating effect on its wasp pollinators. The significance of these compounds to cats or dogs ingesting plant material is unknown. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; keep pets away from the plant. 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 broad-leaved helleborine.

What should I do if my cat ate broad-leaved helleborine?

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 broad-leaved helleborine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Broad-leaved Helleborine is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full broad-leaved helleborine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to broad-leaved helleborine?

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 broad-leaved helleborine pet-safety