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Is Smith's Fairybells toxic to cats?

Disporum smithii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists smith's fairybells 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. Disporum smithii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The berries have conflicting accounts of edibility — some indigenous groups ate them while others considered them mildly toxic. Related Disporum/Prosartes species have berries regarded as inedible or mildly unpleasant. Treat with caution around pets and children; the genus and family (Colchicaceae) have no confirmed severe toxin, but ingestion of berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your cat ate smith's fairybells

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

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

Is smith's fairybells toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is smith's fairybells toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists smith's fairybells 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. Disporum smithii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The berries have conflicting accounts of edibility — some indigenous groups ate them while others considered them mildly toxic. Related Disporum/Prosartes species have berries regarded as inedible or mildly unpleasant. Treat with caution around pets and children; the genus and family (Colchicaceae) have no confirmed severe toxin, but ingestion of berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats smith's fairybells?

Disporum smithii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The berries have conflicting accounts of edibility — some indigenous groups ate them while others considered them mildly toxic. Related Disporum/Prosartes species have berries regarded as inedible or mildly unpleasant. Treat with caution around pets and children; the genus and family (Colchicaceae) have no confirmed severe toxin, but ingestion of berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 smith's fairybells.

What should I do if my cat ate smith's fairybells?

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 smith's fairybells toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Smith's Fairybells is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full smith's fairybells pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to smith's fairybells?

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 smith's fairybells pet-safety