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Is Climbing Onion toxic to cats?

Bowiea volubilis

Toxic to cats

Yes — climbing onion 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. Bowiea volubilis is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. The bulb contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) and other alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, cardiac arrhythmias, and in large doses may be life-threatening. ASPCA lists the closely related Bowiea genus as toxic. Keep strictly away from pets and children and wash hands after handling.

What to do if your cat ate climbing onion

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

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

Is climbing onion toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is climbing onion toxic to cats?

Yes — climbing onion is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Bowiea volubilis is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. The bulb contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) and other alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, cardiac arrhythmias, and in large doses may be life-threatening. ASPCA lists the closely related Bowiea genus as toxic. Keep strictly away from pets and children and wash hands after handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats climbing onion?

Bowiea volubilis is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. The bulb contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) and other alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, cardiac arrhythmias, and in large doses may be life-threatening. ASPCA lists the closely related Bowiea genus as toxic. Keep strictly away from pets and children and wash hands after handling. 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 climbing onion.

What should I do if my cat ate climbing onion?

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 climbing onion toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to climbing onion?

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 climbing onion pet-safety