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Is Hedge bindweed toxic to cats?

Calystegia sepium

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hedge bindweed as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Calystegia sepium contains resin glycosides (calysepins) and tropane-related alkaloids (calystegines) that have a purgative effect. The roots and all above-ground parts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if ingested by pets or people in quantity. Not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but the family Convolvulaceae contains known irritant compounds; treat with caution and keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate hedge bindweed

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

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

Is hedge bindweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hedge bindweed toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hedge bindweed as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Calystegia sepium contains resin glycosides (calysepins) and tropane-related alkaloids (calystegines) that have a purgative effect. The roots and all above-ground parts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if ingested by pets or people in quantity. Not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but the family Convolvulaceae contains known irritant compounds; treat with caution and keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hedge bindweed?

Calystegia sepium contains resin glycosides (calysepins) and tropane-related alkaloids (calystegines) that have a purgative effect. The roots and all above-ground parts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if ingested by pets or people in quantity. Not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but the family Convolvulaceae contains known irritant compounds; treat with caution and keep away from 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 hedge bindweed.

What should I do if my cat ate hedge bindweed?

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 hedge bindweed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hedge bindweed is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full hedge bindweed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hedge bindweed?

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 hedge bindweed pet-safety