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Pet safety

Is Chincherinchee toxic to cats?

Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Toxic to cats

Yes — chincherinchee 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. All parts of Ornithogalum thyrsoides are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and humans. The plant contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that interfere with heart muscle electrolyte balance, potentially causing vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, and in large doses, fatal cardiac effects. Above-ground parts can cause contact skin irritation. Seek veterinary attention immediately if pets ingest any part.

What to do if your cat ate chincherinchee

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

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

Is chincherinchee toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chincherinchee toxic to cats?

Yes — chincherinchee is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Ornithogalum thyrsoides are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and humans. The plant contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that interfere with heart muscle electrolyte balance, potentially causing vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, and in large doses, fatal cardiac effects. Above-ground parts can cause contact skin irritation. Seek veterinary attention immediately if pets ingest any part.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chincherinchee?

All parts of Ornithogalum thyrsoides are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and humans. The plant contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that interfere with heart muscle electrolyte balance, potentially causing vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, and in large doses, fatal cardiac effects. Above-ground parts can cause contact skin irritation. Seek veterinary attention immediately if pets ingest any part. 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 chincherinchee.

What should I do if my cat ate chincherinchee?

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 chincherinchee toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to chincherinchee?

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 chincherinchee pet-safety