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Pet safety

Is Opium poppy toxic to cats?

Papaver somniferum

Toxic to cats

Yes — opium poppy 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. Papaver somniferum is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids including morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Ingestion can cause CNS depression, sedation, ataxia, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal upset. The latex sap (especially in green seed pods) is the most concentrated source. Keep pets away from the plant; seek veterinary attention immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate opium poppy

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

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

Is opium poppy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is opium poppy toxic to cats?

Yes — opium poppy is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Papaver somniferum is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids including morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Ingestion can cause CNS depression, sedation, ataxia, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal upset. The latex sap (especially in green seed pods) is the most concentrated source. Keep pets away from the plant; seek veterinary attention immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats opium poppy?

Papaver somniferum is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids including morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Ingestion can cause CNS depression, sedation, ataxia, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal upset. The latex sap (especially in green seed pods) is the most concentrated source. Keep pets away from the plant; seek veterinary attention immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 opium poppy.

What should I do if my cat ate opium poppy?

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 opium poppy toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to opium poppy?

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 opium poppy pet-safety