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Is Common Stork's Bill toxic to cats?

Erodium cicutarium

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common stork's bill 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. Erodium cicutarium is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic Plants database (neither toxic nor confirmed non-toxic). In large quantities it has been associated with photosensitivity in sheep, suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds. As a precautionary classification, mildly-toxic is assigned until a definitive ASPCA or veterinary authority assessment is available. The coiled seeds also present a physical hazard, potentially penetrating a dog's skin or coat. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if concerned.

What to do if your cat ate common stork's bill

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

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

Is common stork's bill toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common stork's bill toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common stork's bill 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. Erodium cicutarium is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic Plants database (neither toxic nor confirmed non-toxic). In large quantities it has been associated with photosensitivity in sheep, suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds. As a precautionary classification, mildly-toxic is assigned until a definitive ASPCA or veterinary authority assessment is available. The coiled seeds also present a physical hazard, potentially penetrating a dog's skin or coat. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if concerned.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common stork's bill?

Erodium cicutarium is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic Plants database (neither toxic nor confirmed non-toxic). In large quantities it has been associated with photosensitivity in sheep, suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds. As a precautionary classification, mildly-toxic is assigned until a definitive ASPCA or veterinary authority assessment is available. The coiled seeds also present a physical hazard, potentially penetrating a dog's skin or coat. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if concerned. 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 stork's bill.

What should I do if my cat ate common stork's bill?

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 stork's bill toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common stork's bill?

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 stork's bill pet-safety