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Is Wild Quinine toxic to cats?

Parthenium integrifolium

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild quinine 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. Parthenium integrifolium is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Parthenium species contain sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide) that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and are potentially irritating if ingested by pets; classified as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What to do if your cat ate wild quinine

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

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

Is wild quinine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wild quinine toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild quinine 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. Parthenium integrifolium is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Parthenium species contain sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide) that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and are potentially irritating if ingested by pets; classified as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wild quinine?

Parthenium integrifolium is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Parthenium species contain sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide) that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and are potentially irritating if ingested by pets; classified as mildly-toxic out of caution. 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 quinine.

What should I do if my cat ate wild quinine?

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 quinine toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to wild quinine?

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 quinine pet-safety