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Is Hemlock Water Dropwort toxic to cats?

Oenanthe crocata

Toxic to cats

Yes — hemlock water dropwort 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. Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact.

What to do if your cat ate hemlock water dropwort

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

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

Is hemlock water dropwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hemlock water dropwort toxic to cats?

Yes — hemlock water dropwort is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hemlock water dropwort?

Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact. 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 hemlock water dropwort.

What should I do if my cat ate hemlock water dropwort?

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 hemlock water dropwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hemlock Water Dropwort is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hemlock water dropwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hemlock water dropwort?

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 hemlock water dropwort pet-safety