Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Atlas Poppy toxic to cats?

Papaver atlanticum

Toxic to cats

Yes — atlas 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 species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to opioid alkaloids. The Atlas poppy is not individually listed, but as a member of the Papaver genus it should be treated as toxic — ingestion may cause central nervous system depression, vomiting, and respiratory distress.

What to do if your cat ate atlas poppy

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

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

Is atlas poppy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is atlas poppy toxic to cats?

Yes — atlas poppy is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Papaver species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to opioid alkaloids. The Atlas poppy is not individually listed, but as a member of the Papaver genus it should be treated as toxic — ingestion may cause central nervous system depression, vomiting, and respiratory distress.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats atlas poppy?

Papaver species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to opioid alkaloids. The Atlas poppy is not individually listed, but as a member of the Papaver genus it should be treated as toxic — ingestion may cause central nervous system depression, vomiting, and respiratory distress. 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 atlas poppy.

What should I do if my cat ate atlas 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 atlas poppy toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to atlas 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 atlas poppy pet-safety