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Pet safety

Is Columbine toxic to cats?

Aquilegia vulgaris

Toxic to cats

Yes — columbine 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. Aquilegia vulgaris contains toxic alkaloids including magnoflorin and a hydrocyanic acid-forming glycoside; the seeds are particularly concentrated. The ASPCA lists columbine (Aquilegia species) as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in significant doses, more serious cardiovascular effects. Pets are rarely attracted to the plant due to its unpleasant taste, but accidental ingestion, particularly of seeds, warrants veterinary attention.

What to do if your cat ate columbine

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

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

Is columbine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is columbine toxic to cats?

Yes — columbine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Aquilegia vulgaris contains toxic alkaloids including magnoflorin and a hydrocyanic acid-forming glycoside; the seeds are particularly concentrated. The ASPCA lists columbine (Aquilegia species) as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in significant doses, more serious cardiovascular effects. Pets are rarely attracted to the plant due to its unpleasant taste, but accidental ingestion, particularly of seeds, warrants veterinary attention.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats columbine?

Aquilegia vulgaris contains toxic alkaloids including magnoflorin and a hydrocyanic acid-forming glycoside; the seeds are particularly concentrated. The ASPCA lists columbine (Aquilegia species) as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in significant doses, more serious cardiovascular effects. Pets are rarely attracted to the plant due to its unpleasant taste, but accidental ingestion, particularly of seeds, warrants veterinary attention. 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 columbine.

What should I do if my cat ate columbine?

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 columbine toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to columbine?

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 columbine pet-safety