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Is Hemlock Water Parsnip toxic to cats?

Sium suave

Toxic to cats

Yes — hemlock water parsnip 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. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but the stems and leaves of Sium suave are reported as toxic to livestock. This plant belongs to the same family and habitat as some of the most poisonous plants in North America (e.g. Cicuta spp.); it is extremely difficult to distinguish from water hemlock in the field. Treat as toxic for all animals and do not allow pets to graze in areas where it grows.

What to do if your cat ate hemlock water parsnip

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

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

Is hemlock water parsnip toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hemlock water parsnip toxic to cats?

Yes — hemlock water parsnip is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but the stems and leaves of Sium suave are reported as toxic to livestock. This plant belongs to the same family and habitat as some of the most poisonous plants in North America (e.g. Cicuta spp.); it is extremely difficult to distinguish from water hemlock in the field. Treat as toxic for all animals and do not allow pets to graze in areas where it grows.

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

Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but the stems and leaves of Sium suave are reported as toxic to livestock. This plant belongs to the same family and habitat as some of the most poisonous plants in North America (e.g. Cicuta spp.); it is extremely difficult to distinguish from water hemlock in the field. Treat as toxic for all animals and do not allow pets to graze in areas where it grows. 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 parsnip.

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

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 parsnip toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 parsnip pet-safety