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Is Violet Wood Sorrel toxic to cats?

Oxalis violacea

Toxic to cats

Yes — violet wood sorrel 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 Oxalis (Shamrock Plant, Oxalis spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in large quantities kidney failure (rare in dogs and cats) and tremors.

What to do if your cat ate violet wood sorrel

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

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

Is violet wood sorrel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is violet wood sorrel toxic to cats?

Yes — violet wood sorrel is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Oxalis (Shamrock Plant, Oxalis spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in large quantities kidney failure (rare in dogs and cats) and tremors.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats violet wood sorrel?

ASPCA lists Oxalis (Shamrock Plant, Oxalis spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in large quantities kidney failure (rare in dogs and cats) and tremors. 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 violet wood sorrel.

What should I do if my cat ate violet wood sorrel?

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 violet wood sorrel toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Violet Wood Sorrel is toxic to dogs as well. See the full violet wood sorrel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to violet wood sorrel?

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 violet wood sorrel pet-safety