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Is Fringed Bleeding Heart toxic to cats?

Dicentra eximia

Toxic to cats

Yes — fringed bleeding heart 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. Dicentra contains isoquinoline alkaloids; per the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, bleeding heart ingestion can cause trembling, staggering, drooling, vomiting and, in larger amounts, seizures. Wear gloves, as sap may also irritate skin.

What to do if your cat ate fringed bleeding heart

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

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

Is fringed bleeding heart toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fringed bleeding heart toxic to cats?

Yes — fringed bleeding heart is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. Dicentra contains isoquinoline alkaloids; per the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, bleeding heart ingestion can cause trembling, staggering, drooling, vomiting and, in larger amounts, seizures. Wear gloves, as sap may also irritate skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fringed bleeding heart?

Toxic to cats and dogs. Dicentra contains isoquinoline alkaloids; per the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, bleeding heart ingestion can cause trembling, staggering, drooling, vomiting and, in larger amounts, seizures. Wear gloves, as sap may also irritate skin. 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 fringed bleeding heart.

What should I do if my cat ate fringed bleeding heart?

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 fringed bleeding heart toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Fringed Bleeding Heart is toxic to dogs as well. See the full fringed bleeding heart pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to fringed bleeding heart?

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 fringed bleeding heart pet-safety