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Is Iris pseudacorus toxic to cats?

Iris pseudacorus

Toxic to cats

Yes — iris pseudacorus 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. The ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; toxic glycosides and resins (irisin, iridin) are concentrated in the rhizome and sap. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, and the sap can irritate skin.

What to do if your cat ate iris pseudacorus

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

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

Is iris pseudacorus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is iris pseudacorus toxic to cats?

Yes — iris pseudacorus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; toxic glycosides and resins (irisin, iridin) are concentrated in the rhizome and sap. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, and the sap can irritate skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats iris pseudacorus?

The ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; toxic glycosides and resins (irisin, iridin) are concentrated in the rhizome and sap. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, 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 iris pseudacorus.

What should I do if my cat ate iris pseudacorus?

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 iris pseudacorus toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to iris pseudacorus?

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 iris pseudacorus pet-safety