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Pet safety

Is Spatterdock toxic to cats?

Nuphar advena

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spatterdock 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. Nuphar advena is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Nuphar species contain nupharine and related alkaloids (thiaspinic acid derivatives) that are reported to cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. Treat as mildly toxic; prevent pets from consuming rhizomes or flowers. Rhizomes were historically prepared and eaten by indigenous peoples after cooking, which neutralises some alkaloids.

What to do if your cat ate spatterdock

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

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

Is spatterdock toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spatterdock toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spatterdock 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. Nuphar advena is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Nuphar species contain nupharine and related alkaloids (thiaspinic acid derivatives) that are reported to cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. Treat as mildly toxic; prevent pets from consuming rhizomes or flowers. Rhizomes were historically prepared and eaten by indigenous peoples after cooking, which neutralises some alkaloids.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spatterdock?

Nuphar advena is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Nuphar species contain nupharine and related alkaloids (thiaspinic acid derivatives) that are reported to cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. Treat as mildly toxic; prevent pets from consuming rhizomes or flowers. Rhizomes were historically prepared and eaten by indigenous peoples after cooking, which neutralises some alkaloids. 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 spatterdock.

What should I do if my cat ate spatterdock?

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 spatterdock toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spatterdock?

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 spatterdock pet-safety