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.

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.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

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.

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.