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Pet safety

Is Silver Shamrock toxic to cats?

Oxalis adenophylla

Toxic to cats

Yes — silver shamrock 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. The ASPCA lists Oxalis/Shamrock Plant as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in large quantities can lead to hypocalcaemia and kidney damage.

What to do if your cat ate silver shamrock

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

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

Is silver shamrock toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is silver shamrock toxic to cats?

Yes — silver shamrock is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Oxalis/Shamrock Plant as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in large quantities can lead to hypocalcaemia and kidney damage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats silver shamrock?

The ASPCA lists Oxalis/Shamrock Plant as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in large quantities can lead to hypocalcaemia and kidney damage. 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 silver shamrock.

What should I do if my cat ate silver shamrock?

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 silver shamrock toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Silver Shamrock is toxic to dogs as well. See the full silver shamrock pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to silver shamrock?

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 silver shamrock pet-safety