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Is Virgin's Bower toxic to cats?

Clematis virginiana

Toxic to cats

Yes — virgin's bower 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. Clematis virginiana contains protoanemonin (ranunculin precursor), the toxic compound shared by all Clematis species, listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral irritation. Contact with sap may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

What to do if your cat ate virgin's bower

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

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

Is virgin's bower toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is virgin's bower toxic to cats?

Yes — virgin's bower is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Clematis virginiana contains protoanemonin (ranunculin precursor), the toxic compound shared by all Clematis species, listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral irritation. Contact with sap may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats virgin's bower?

Clematis virginiana contains protoanemonin (ranunculin precursor), the toxic compound shared by all Clematis species, listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral irritation. Contact with sap may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. 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 virgin's bower.

What should I do if my cat ate virgin's bower?

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 virgin's bower toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Virgin's Bower is toxic to dogs as well. See the full virgin's bower pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to virgin's bower?

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 virgin's bower pet-safety