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Pet safety

Is Dutchman's pipe toxic to cats?

Aristolochia macrophylla

Toxic to cats

Yes — dutchman's pipe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Aristolochia macrophylla contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic compounds. Ingestion of any plant part can cause irreversible kidney failure in humans and animals. Keep strictly away from children and pets. Do not use in herbal preparations. The toxins are not inactivated by drying or cooking.

What to do if your cat ate dutchman's pipe

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

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

Is dutchman's pipe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dutchman's pipe toxic to cats?

Yes — dutchman's pipe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Aristolochia macrophylla contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic compounds. Ingestion of any plant part can cause irreversible kidney failure in humans and animals. Keep strictly away from children and pets. Do not use in herbal preparations. The toxins are not inactivated by drying or cooking.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dutchman's pipe?

All parts of Aristolochia macrophylla contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic compounds. Ingestion of any plant part can cause irreversible kidney failure in humans and animals. Keep strictly away from children and pets. Do not use in herbal preparations. The toxins are not inactivated by drying or cooking. 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 dutchman's pipe.

What should I do if my cat ate dutchman's pipe?

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 dutchman's pipe toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dutchman's pipe is toxic to dogs as well. See the full dutchman's pipe pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dutchman's pipe?

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 dutchman's pipe pet-safety