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Is Stinking Trillium toxic to cats?

Trillium foetidissimum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists stinking trillium 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. Trillium foetidissimum is not individually listed by the ASPCA on its Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As with other Trillium species, roots and berries are the parts of greatest concern and likely contain steroidal saponins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets and humans if ingested. The strong scent may deter animal ingestion but should not be relied upon as a safety mechanism. Contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet promptly if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate stinking trillium

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

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

Is stinking trillium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is stinking trillium toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists stinking trillium 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. Trillium foetidissimum is not individually listed by the ASPCA on its Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As with other Trillium species, roots and berries are the parts of greatest concern and likely contain steroidal saponins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets and humans if ingested. The strong scent may deter animal ingestion but should not be relied upon as a safety mechanism. Contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet promptly if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats stinking trillium?

Trillium foetidissimum is not individually listed by the ASPCA on its Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As with other Trillium species, roots and berries are the parts of greatest concern and likely contain steroidal saponins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets and humans if ingested. The strong scent may deter animal ingestion but should not be relied upon as a safety mechanism. Contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet promptly if ingestion occurs. 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 stinking trillium.

What should I do if my cat ate stinking trillium?

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 stinking trillium toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to stinking trillium?

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 stinking trillium pet-safety