Is Oriental Poppy 'Beauty of Livermere' toxic to cats?

Yes — oriental poppy 'beauty of livermere' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) contain alkaloids including thebaine and other opioid compounds. The ASPCA lists Papaver species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — ingestion can cause sedation, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal upset. All parts are toxic; the sap also causes skin and mucous membrane irritation.

Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) contain alkaloids including thebaine and other opioid compounds. The ASPCA lists Papaver species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — ingestion can cause sedation, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal upset. All parts are toxic; the sap also causes skin and mucous membrane irritation. 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 oriental poppy 'beauty of livermere'.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Oriental Poppy 'Beauty of Livermere' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full oriental poppy 'beauty of livermere' pet-safety guide for both species.

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.