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Pet safety

Is Tree Peony toxic to cats?

Paeonia suffruticosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — tree peony 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. ASPCA lists peony (Paeonia) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and P. suffruticosa belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle paeonol, most concentrated in the bark, is present throughout and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression.

What to do if your cat ate tree peony

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

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

Is tree peony toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tree peony toxic to cats?

Yes — tree peony is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists peony (Paeonia) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and P. suffruticosa belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle paeonol, most concentrated in the bark, is present throughout and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tree peony?

ASPCA lists peony (Paeonia) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and P. suffruticosa belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle paeonol, most concentrated in the bark, is present throughout and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. 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 tree peony.

What should I do if my cat ate tree peony?

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 tree peony toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tree Peony is toxic to dogs as well. See the full tree peony pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tree peony?

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 tree peony pet-safety