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Is Hedera colchica toxic to cats?

Hedera colchica

Toxic to cats

Yes — hedera colchica 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. Hedera (ivy) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with the documented Hedera helix entry establishing the genus toxicity. H. colchica leaves, stems and berries contain triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin glycosides) and falcarinol-type polyacetylenes; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and sap may cause dermatitis.

What to do if your cat ate hedera colchica

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

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

Is hedera colchica toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hedera colchica toxic to cats?

Yes — hedera colchica is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hedera (ivy) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with the documented Hedera helix entry establishing the genus toxicity. H. colchica leaves, stems and berries contain triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin glycosides) and falcarinol-type polyacetylenes; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and sap may cause dermatitis.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hedera colchica?

Hedera (ivy) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with the documented Hedera helix entry establishing the genus toxicity. H. colchica leaves, stems and berries contain triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin glycosides) and falcarinol-type polyacetylenes; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and sap may cause dermatitis. 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 hedera colchica.

What should I do if my cat ate hedera colchica?

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 hedera colchica toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to hedera colchica?

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 hedera colchica pet-safety