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Pet safety

Is English ivy toxic to cats?

Hedera helix

Toxic to cats

Yes — english ivy 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. ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling.

What to do if your cat ate english ivy

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

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

Is english ivy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is english ivy toxic to cats?

Yes — english ivy is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats english ivy?

ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling. 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 english ivy.

What should I do if my cat ate english ivy?

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 english ivy toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: English ivy is toxic to dogs as well. See the full english ivy pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to english ivy?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include wax plant, string of hearts, spider plant — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to english ivy.

Full english ivy pet-safety