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Is Prairie Trillium toxic to cats?

Trillium recurvatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prairie trillium 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. Not listed by the ASPCA in their toxicity database. However, the roots and berries of Trillium species are known to contain irritant saponins and steroidal compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive upset in pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate prairie trillium

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

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

Is prairie trillium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is prairie trillium toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prairie trillium 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. Not listed by the ASPCA in their toxicity database. However, the roots and berries of Trillium species are known to contain irritant saponins and steroidal compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive upset in pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats prairie trillium?

Not listed by the ASPCA in their toxicity database. However, the roots and berries of Trillium species are known to contain irritant saponins and steroidal compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive upset in pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from pets and children. 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 trillium.

What should I do if my cat ate prairie trillium?

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 trillium toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to prairie trillium?

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 trillium pet-safety