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Is Pipsissewa toxic to cats?

Chimaphila umbellata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pipsissewa 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. Chimaphila umbellata is not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. It is not associated with severe toxicity in pets, but the plant contains phenolic compounds including arbutin and chimaphilin that can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if consumed in quantity, and are unsuitable for long-term use in humans. Contact with the sap may produce mild skin sensitisation in some individuals. Treat with standard caution around pets.

What to do if your cat ate pipsissewa

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

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

Is pipsissewa toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pipsissewa toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pipsissewa 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. Chimaphila umbellata is not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. It is not associated with severe toxicity in pets, but the plant contains phenolic compounds including arbutin and chimaphilin that can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if consumed in quantity, and are unsuitable for long-term use in humans. Contact with the sap may produce mild skin sensitisation in some individuals. Treat with standard caution around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pipsissewa?

Chimaphila umbellata is not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. It is not associated with severe toxicity in pets, but the plant contains phenolic compounds including arbutin and chimaphilin that can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if consumed in quantity, and are unsuitable for long-term use in humans. Contact with the sap may produce mild skin sensitisation in some individuals. Treat with standard caution around pets. 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 pipsissewa.

What should I do if my cat ate pipsissewa?

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 pipsissewa toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pipsissewa?

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 pipsissewa pet-safety