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Pet safety

Is Squirrel Corn toxic to cats?

Dicentra canadensis

Toxic to cats

Yes — squirrel corn 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. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids that are toxic if ingested in significant quantities by humans and animals. Symptoms include trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhoea, and convulsions. Sap may cause mild, transient skin irritation on contact. Not individually listed by ASPCA under D. canadensis, but the Dicentra genus is documented as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate squirrel corn

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

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

Is squirrel corn toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is squirrel corn toxic to cats?

Yes — squirrel corn is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids that are toxic if ingested in significant quantities by humans and animals. Symptoms include trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhoea, and convulsions. Sap may cause mild, transient skin irritation on contact. Not individually listed by ASPCA under D. canadensis, but the Dicentra genus is documented as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats squirrel corn?

All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids that are toxic if ingested in significant quantities by humans and animals. Symptoms include trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhoea, and convulsions. Sap may cause mild, transient skin irritation on contact. Not individually listed by ASPCA under D. canadensis, but the Dicentra genus is documented as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from pets and children. 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 squirrel corn.

What should I do if my cat ate squirrel corn?

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 squirrel corn toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Squirrel Corn is toxic to dogs as well. See the full squirrel corn pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to squirrel corn?

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 squirrel corn pet-safety