Is Pyrenean Merendera toxic to cats?

Yes — pyrenean merendera is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Merendera montana belongs to the family Colchicaceae and contains the tropolone alkaloids colchicine, 3-demethylcolchicine, and colchicoside — the same toxic principles as autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans can cause severe multi-system toxicity including vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression, respiratory failure, and death. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any suspected ingestion.

Merendera montana belongs to the family Colchicaceae and contains the tropolone alkaloids colchicine, 3-demethylcolchicine, and colchicoside — the same toxic principles as autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans can cause severe multi-system toxicity including vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression, respiratory failure, and death. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any suspected ingestion. 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 pyrenean merendera.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pyrenean Merendera is toxic to dogs as well. See the full pyrenean merendera pet-safety guide for both species.

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.