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Is Persian Barrenwort toxic to cats?

Epimedium pinnatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists persian barrenwort as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Epimedium pinnatum is not individually listed by ASPCA. As with other Epimedium species, it contains icariin and related flavonoid compounds. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets or people. Not associated with severe or life-threatening toxicity, but consumption should be avoided.

What to do if your cat ate persian barrenwort

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

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

Is persian barrenwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is persian barrenwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists persian barrenwort as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Epimedium pinnatum is not individually listed by ASPCA. As with other Epimedium species, it contains icariin and related flavonoid compounds. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets or people. Not associated with severe or life-threatening toxicity, but consumption should be avoided.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats persian barrenwort?

Epimedium pinnatum is not individually listed by ASPCA. As with other Epimedium species, it contains icariin and related flavonoid compounds. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets or people. Not associated with severe or life-threatening toxicity, but consumption should be avoided. 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 persian barrenwort.

What should I do if my cat ate persian barrenwort?

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 persian barrenwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Persian Barrenwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full persian barrenwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to persian barrenwort?

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 persian barrenwort pet-safety