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Is Greater Celandine toxic to cats?

Chelidonium majus

Toxic to cats

Yes — greater celandine 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. Chelidonium majus contains isoquinoline alkaloids (chelidonine, berberine, coptisine, sanguinarine) throughout all plant parts, particularly concentrated in the orange latex sap. These alkaloids are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, sedation, and — in larger doses — central nervous system depression and liver damage. The sap is also a potent skin irritant causing contact dermatitis. Wear gloves when handling. Chelidonium majus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate greater celandine

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

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

Is greater celandine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is greater celandine toxic to cats?

Yes — greater celandine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Chelidonium majus contains isoquinoline alkaloids (chelidonine, berberine, coptisine, sanguinarine) throughout all plant parts, particularly concentrated in the orange latex sap. These alkaloids are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, sedation, and — in larger doses — central nervous system depression and liver damage. The sap is also a potent skin irritant causing contact dermatitis. Wear gloves when handling. Chelidonium majus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats greater celandine?

Chelidonium majus contains isoquinoline alkaloids (chelidonine, berberine, coptisine, sanguinarine) throughout all plant parts, particularly concentrated in the orange latex sap. These alkaloids are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, sedation, and — in larger doses — central nervous system depression and liver damage. The sap is also a potent skin irritant causing contact dermatitis. Wear gloves when handling. Chelidonium majus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children. 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 greater celandine.

What should I do if my cat ate greater celandine?

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 greater celandine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Greater Celandine is toxic to dogs as well. See the full greater celandine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to greater celandine?

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 greater celandine pet-safety