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Is Common Fumitory toxic to cats?

Fumaria officinalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common fumitory 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. Contains isoquinoline alkaloids including protopine and allocryptopine; large doses cause gastrointestinal distress and, in animal models, excitation or convulsions. Not individually listed by ASPCA; classified mildly toxic as a precaution given alkaloid content. Keep pets away from grazed quantities.

What to do if your cat ate common fumitory

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

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

Is common fumitory toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common fumitory toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common fumitory 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. Contains isoquinoline alkaloids including protopine and allocryptopine; large doses cause gastrointestinal distress and, in animal models, excitation or convulsions. Not individually listed by ASPCA; classified mildly toxic as a precaution given alkaloid content. Keep pets away from grazed quantities.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common fumitory?

Contains isoquinoline alkaloids including protopine and allocryptopine; large doses cause gastrointestinal distress and, in animal models, excitation or convulsions. Not individually listed by ASPCA; classified mildly toxic as a precaution given alkaloid content. Keep pets away from grazed quantities. 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 fumitory.

What should I do if my cat ate common fumitory?

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 fumitory toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common fumitory?

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 fumitory pet-safety