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Is Poppy Anemone toxic to cats?

Anemone coronaria

Toxic to cats

Yes — poppy anemone 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. Anemone coronaria contains protoanemonin, a toxic irritant lactone present in all fresh parts of the plant. The ASPCA lists Anemone as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can lead to muscle tremors, haematuria, and collapse in larger doses. The sap can also cause skin irritation and blistering in humans — wear gloves when handling cut stems.

What to do if your cat ate poppy anemone

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

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

Is poppy anemone toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is poppy anemone toxic to cats?

Yes — poppy anemone is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Anemone coronaria contains protoanemonin, a toxic irritant lactone present in all fresh parts of the plant. The ASPCA lists Anemone as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can lead to muscle tremors, haematuria, and collapse in larger doses. The sap can also cause skin irritation and blistering in humans — wear gloves when handling cut stems.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats poppy anemone?

Anemone coronaria contains protoanemonin, a toxic irritant lactone present in all fresh parts of the plant. The ASPCA lists Anemone as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can lead to muscle tremors, haematuria, and collapse in larger doses. The sap can also cause skin irritation and blistering in humans — wear gloves when handling cut stems. 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 poppy anemone.

What should I do if my cat ate poppy anemone?

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 poppy anemone toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to poppy anemone?

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 poppy anemone pet-safety