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Is Red Campion toxic to cats?

Silene dioica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red campion 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 individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains saponins, which are poorly absorbed but can cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach upset if eaten in large quantities by cats or dogs. Listed as potentially harmful to livestock. Apply precautionary mildly-toxic classification.

What to do if your cat ate red campion

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

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

Is red campion toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red campion toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red campion 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 individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains saponins, which are poorly absorbed but can cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach upset if eaten in large quantities by cats or dogs. Listed as potentially harmful to livestock. Apply precautionary mildly-toxic classification.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red campion?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains saponins, which are poorly absorbed but can cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach upset if eaten in large quantities by cats or dogs. Listed as potentially harmful to livestock. Apply precautionary mildly-toxic classification. 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 campion.

What should I do if my cat ate red campion?

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 campion toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to red campion?

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 campion pet-safety