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Pet safety

Is Variegated Solomon's Seal toxic to cats?

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'

Toxic to cats

Yes — variegated solomon's seal 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 saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and cardiotoxic heterosides (concentrated in the blue-black berries). Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and can affect heart rhythm. ASPCA's plant list does not individually name P. odoratum 'Variegatum', but Polygonatum as a genus is documented as toxic to pets and humans in veterinary literature. Keep berries away from children and pets.

What to do if your cat ate variegated solomon's seal

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

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

Is variegated solomon's seal toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated solomon's seal toxic to cats?

Yes — variegated solomon's seal 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 saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and cardiotoxic heterosides (concentrated in the blue-black berries). Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and can affect heart rhythm. ASPCA's plant list does not individually name P. odoratum 'Variegatum', but Polygonatum as a genus is documented as toxic to pets and humans in veterinary literature. Keep berries away from children and pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated solomon's seal?

All parts contain saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and cardiotoxic heterosides (concentrated in the blue-black berries). Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and can affect heart rhythm. ASPCA's plant list does not individually name P. odoratum 'Variegatum', but Polygonatum as a genus is documented as toxic to pets and humans in veterinary literature. Keep berries away from children and pets. 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 variegated solomon's seal.

What should I do if my cat ate variegated solomon's seal?

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 variegated solomon's seal toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Solomon's Seal is toxic to dogs as well. See the full variegated solomon's seal pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated solomon's seal?

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 variegated solomon's seal pet-safety