Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Common Hepatica toxic to cats?

Hepatica nobilis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common hepatica 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. Hepatica nobilis contains protoanemonin (a ranunculaceous irritant) and is considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantity. Sap contact may cause skin irritation. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Ranunculaceae family is known to contain irritant compounds; treat with caution.

What to do if your cat ate common hepatica

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

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

Is common hepatica toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common hepatica toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common hepatica 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. Hepatica nobilis contains protoanemonin (a ranunculaceous irritant) and is considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantity. Sap contact may cause skin irritation. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Ranunculaceae family is known to contain irritant compounds; treat with caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common hepatica?

Hepatica nobilis contains protoanemonin (a ranunculaceous irritant) and is considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantity. Sap contact may cause skin irritation. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Ranunculaceae family is known to contain irritant compounds; treat with caution. 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 hepatica.

What should I do if my cat ate common hepatica?

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 hepatica toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common hepatica?

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 hepatica pet-safety