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Is Western Columbine toxic to cats?

Aquilegia formosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — western columbine 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 of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding.

What to do if your cat ate western columbine

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

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

Is western columbine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is western columbine toxic to cats?

Yes — western columbine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats western columbine?

All parts of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding. 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 western columbine.

What should I do if my cat ate western columbine?

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 western columbine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Western Columbine is toxic to dogs as well. See the full western columbine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to western columbine?

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 western columbine pet-safety