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Is Prairie Bluebells toxic to cats?

Mertensia lanceolata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prairie bluebells 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. Mertensia species, including M. lanceolata, have been documented to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (retronecine-type, including lycopsamine N-oxide). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and potentially genotoxic; livestock poisoning from Mertensia is on record. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species. Treat as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; chronic ingestion could cause liver damage.

What to do if your cat ate prairie bluebells

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

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

Is prairie bluebells toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is prairie bluebells toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prairie bluebells 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. Mertensia species, including M. lanceolata, have been documented to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (retronecine-type, including lycopsamine N-oxide). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and potentially genotoxic; livestock poisoning from Mertensia is on record. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species. Treat as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; chronic ingestion could cause liver damage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats prairie bluebells?

Mertensia species, including M. lanceolata, have been documented to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (retronecine-type, including lycopsamine N-oxide). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and potentially genotoxic; livestock poisoning from Mertensia is on record. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species. Treat as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; chronic ingestion could cause liver damage. 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 prairie bluebells.

What should I do if my cat ate prairie bluebells?

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 prairie bluebells toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to prairie bluebells?

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 prairie bluebells pet-safety