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Is Common Peony 'Rubra Plena' toxic to cats?

Paeonia officinalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — common peony 'rubra plena' 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 Paeonia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Paeonol and other compounds are found throughout the plant, with higher concentrations in the bark and roots.

What to do if your cat ate common peony 'rubra plena'

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move common peony 'rubra plena' 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 common peony 'rubra plena' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is common peony 'rubra plena' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common peony 'rubra plena' toxic to cats?

Yes — common peony 'rubra plena' 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 Paeonia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Paeonol and other compounds are found throughout the plant, with higher concentrations in the bark and roots.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common peony 'rubra plena'?

The ASPCA lists Paeonia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Paeonol and other compounds are found throughout the plant, with higher concentrations in the bark and roots. 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 common peony 'rubra plena'.

What should I do if my cat ate common peony 'rubra plena'?

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 common peony 'rubra plena' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Peony 'Rubra Plena' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full common peony 'rubra plena' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common peony 'rubra plena'?

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 common peony 'rubra plena' pet-safety