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Is Common peony toxic to cats?

Paeonia officinalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common peony 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. Paeonia officinalis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if plant material is ingested. The toxic principle is paeonol. All parts are considered toxic, though serious systemic effects are uncommon.

What to do if your cat ate common peony

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

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

Is common peony toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common peony toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common peony 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. Paeonia officinalis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if plant material is ingested. The toxic principle is paeonol. All parts are considered toxic, though serious systemic effects are uncommon.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common peony?

Paeonia officinalis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if plant material is ingested. The toxic principle is paeonol. All parts are considered toxic, though serious systemic effects are uncommon. 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 peony.

What should I do if my cat ate common peony?

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 peony toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common peony?

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 peony pet-safety