Is Small Solomon's Seal toxic to cats?

Yes — small solomon's seal is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All plant parts, particularly the blue-black autumn berries, contain saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and cardiotoxic heterosides. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain; berries pose the greatest hazard. Native Americans used cooked rhizomes as food, but the raw plant is toxic. Polygonatum biflorum is not individually listed by ASPCA but is documented as toxic to pets and humans in veterinary and horticultural literature. Keep berries away from children and pets.

All plant parts, particularly the blue-black autumn berries, contain saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and cardiotoxic heterosides. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain; berries pose the greatest hazard. Native Americans used cooked rhizomes as food, but the raw plant is toxic. Polygonatum biflorum is not individually listed by ASPCA but is documented as toxic to pets and humans in veterinary and horticultural literature. Keep berries away from children and pets. 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 small solomon's seal.

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: Small Solomon's Seal is toxic to dogs as well. See the full small solomon's seal 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.