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Is Irish Ivy toxic to cats?

Hedera hibernica

Toxic to cats

Yes — irish ivy 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. Hedera hibernica is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. It contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) and falcarinol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can cause contact dermatitis in people.

What to do if your cat ate irish ivy

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

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

Is irish ivy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is irish ivy toxic to cats?

Yes — irish ivy is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hedera hibernica is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. It contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) and falcarinol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can cause contact dermatitis in people.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats irish ivy?

Hedera hibernica is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. It contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) and falcarinol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can cause contact dermatitis in people. 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 irish ivy.

What should I do if my cat ate irish ivy?

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 irish ivy toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to irish ivy?

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 irish ivy pet-safety