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Is California poppy toxic to cats?

Eschscholzia californica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists california poppy 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. Eschscholzia californica contains alkaloids (californidine, eschscholtzine) related to the opium poppy family (Papaveraceae). ASPCA does not list this species individually, but ingestion can cause mild sedation, vomiting, or incoordination in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic; keep pets away from large quantities.

What to do if your cat ate california poppy

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

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

Is california poppy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is california poppy toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists california poppy 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. Eschscholzia californica contains alkaloids (californidine, eschscholtzine) related to the opium poppy family (Papaveraceae). ASPCA does not list this species individually, but ingestion can cause mild sedation, vomiting, or incoordination in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic; keep pets away from large quantities.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats california poppy?

Eschscholzia californica contains alkaloids (californidine, eschscholtzine) related to the opium poppy family (Papaveraceae). ASPCA does not list this species individually, but ingestion can cause mild sedation, vomiting, or incoordination in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic; keep pets away from large quantities. 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 california poppy.

What should I do if my cat ate california poppy?

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 california poppy toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to california poppy?

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 california poppy pet-safety