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Is Helleborus foetidus toxic to cats?

Helleborus foetidus

Toxic to cats

Yes — helleborus foetidus 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 Hellebore (Helleborus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles include bufadienolides, glycosides, veratrin and protoanemonin; signs of ingestion include drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, colic and depression. All parts are poisonous and the sap can irritate skin.

What to do if your cat ate helleborus foetidus

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

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

Is helleborus foetidus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is helleborus foetidus toxic to cats?

Yes — helleborus foetidus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Hellebore (Helleborus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles include bufadienolides, glycosides, veratrin and protoanemonin; signs of ingestion include drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, colic and depression. All parts are poisonous and the sap can irritate skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats helleborus foetidus?

ASPCA lists Hellebore (Helleborus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles include bufadienolides, glycosides, veratrin and protoanemonin; signs of ingestion include drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, colic and depression. All parts are poisonous and the sap can 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 helleborus foetidus.

What should I do if my cat ate helleborus foetidus?

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 helleborus foetidus toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to helleborus foetidus?

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 helleborus foetidus pet-safety