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Is Red Barrenwort toxic to cats?

Epimedium x rubrum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red barrenwort 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. Epimedium x rubrum is not individually listed by ASPCA. Epimedium species contain icariin and related flavonoids; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Not associated with severe toxicity, but keep away from pets and children as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate red barrenwort

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

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

Is red barrenwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red barrenwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red barrenwort 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. Epimedium x rubrum is not individually listed by ASPCA. Epimedium species contain icariin and related flavonoids; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Not associated with severe toxicity, but keep away from pets and children as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red barrenwort?

Epimedium x rubrum is not individually listed by ASPCA. Epimedium species contain icariin and related flavonoids; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Not associated with severe toxicity, but keep away from pets and children as a precaution. 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 red barrenwort.

What should I do if my cat ate red barrenwort?

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 red barrenwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red Barrenwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full red barrenwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to red barrenwort?

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 red barrenwort pet-safety