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Is Wild Angelica toxic to cats?

Angelica sylvestris

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild angelica as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Angelica sylvestris is not listed by ASPCA as toxic to pets. However, all parts of the plant contain furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans and animals — sap on skin exposed to sunlight causes burns and blistering. Ingestion of large quantities may cause GI upset. The plant looks dangerously similar to Conium maculatum (hemlock) and Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), both severely toxic. Treat as mildly toxic and wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your cat ate wild angelica

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

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

Is wild angelica toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wild angelica toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild angelica as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Angelica sylvestris is not listed by ASPCA as toxic to pets. However, all parts of the plant contain furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans and animals — sap on skin exposed to sunlight causes burns and blistering. Ingestion of large quantities may cause GI upset. The plant looks dangerously similar to Conium maculatum (hemlock) and Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), both severely toxic. Treat as mildly toxic and wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wild angelica?

Angelica sylvestris is not listed by ASPCA as toxic to pets. However, all parts of the plant contain furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans and animals — sap on skin exposed to sunlight causes burns and blistering. Ingestion of large quantities may cause GI upset. The plant looks dangerously similar to Conium maculatum (hemlock) and Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), both severely toxic. Treat as mildly toxic and wear gloves when handling. 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 wild angelica.

What should I do if my cat ate wild angelica?

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 wild angelica toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wild Angelica is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full wild angelica pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wild angelica?

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 wild angelica pet-safety