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Pet safety

Is Common Bistort toxic to cats?

Persicaria bistorta

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common bistort 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. Not listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but the plant contains oxalic acid and tannins. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets; it should not be offered as forage. Individuals with kidney stones, gout, or rheumatism should also avoid consuming the leaves.

What to do if your cat ate common bistort

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

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

Is common bistort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common bistort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common bistort 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. Not listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but the plant contains oxalic acid and tannins. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets; it should not be offered as forage. Individuals with kidney stones, gout, or rheumatism should also avoid consuming the leaves.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common bistort?

Not listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but the plant contains oxalic acid and tannins. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets; it should not be offered as forage. Individuals with kidney stones, gout, or rheumatism should also avoid consuming the leaves. 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 common bistort.

What should I do if my cat ate common bistort?

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 common bistort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Bistort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full common bistort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common bistort?

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 common bistort pet-safety