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Is Hellebore toxic to cats?

Helleborus orientalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — hellebore 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 Helleborus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (helleborin, helleborein). Causes vomiting, drooling, slow heart rate, and rare seizures. Sap also causes skin irritation.

What to do if your cat ate hellebore

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

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

Is hellebore toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hellebore toxic to cats?

Yes — hellebore is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Helleborus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (helleborin, helleborein). Causes vomiting, drooling, slow heart rate, and rare seizures. Sap also causes skin irritation.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hellebore?

ASPCA lists Helleborus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (helleborin, helleborein). Causes vomiting, drooling, slow heart rate, and rare seizures. Sap also causes skin irritation. 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 hellebore.

What should I do if my cat ate hellebore?

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 hellebore toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to hellebore?

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 hellebore pet-safety