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Is Red Horned Poppy toxic to cats?

Glaucium corniculatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — red horned poppy is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Glaucium corniculatum contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including aporphine- and protopine-type compounds) throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhoea), CNS depression, sedation, and ataxia. The orange-yellow latex irritates skin and mucous membranes on contact. Contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate red horned poppy

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

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

Is red horned poppy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red horned poppy toxic to cats?

Yes — red horned poppy is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Glaucium corniculatum contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including aporphine- and protopine-type compounds) throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhoea), CNS depression, sedation, and ataxia. The orange-yellow latex irritates skin and mucous membranes on contact. Contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red horned poppy?

Glaucium corniculatum contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including aporphine- and protopine-type compounds) throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhoea), CNS depression, sedation, and ataxia. The orange-yellow latex irritates skin and mucous membranes on contact. Contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 horned poppy.

What should I do if my cat ate red horned poppy?

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 horned poppy toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to red horned poppy?

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 horned poppy pet-safety