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Is Purplestem Angelica toxic to cats?

Angelica atropurpurea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purplestem angelica 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. Angelica atropurpurea contains furanocoumarins in the stem sap, causing photodermatitis (blistering, hyperpigmentation) on skin exposed to sunlight after contact. Not individually listed by ASPCA; ingestion in quantity may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Use caution and gloves when handling — especially when cutting hollow stems.

What to do if your cat ate purplestem angelica

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

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

Is purplestem angelica toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is purplestem angelica toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purplestem angelica 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. Angelica atropurpurea contains furanocoumarins in the stem sap, causing photodermatitis (blistering, hyperpigmentation) on skin exposed to sunlight after contact. Not individually listed by ASPCA; ingestion in quantity may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Use caution and gloves when handling — especially when cutting hollow stems.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats purplestem angelica?

Angelica atropurpurea contains furanocoumarins in the stem sap, causing photodermatitis (blistering, hyperpigmentation) on skin exposed to sunlight after contact. Not individually listed by ASPCA; ingestion in quantity may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Use caution and gloves when handling — especially when cutting hollow 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 purplestem angelica.

What should I do if my cat ate purplestem angelica?

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 purplestem angelica toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to purplestem angelica?

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 purplestem angelica pet-safety