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Is Winter Aconite toxic to cats?

Eranthis hyemalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — winter aconite 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 Eranthis hyemalis are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (eranthin A and eranthin B, bufadienolide group) as well as protoanemonin, a skin and mucous-membrane irritant common in Ranunculaceae. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, and in severe cases cardiac arrest. A documented case records fatal pulmonary oedema in a dog. The bitter taste deters most casual nibbling but veterinary advice should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate winter aconite

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

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

Is winter aconite toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is winter aconite toxic to cats?

Yes — winter aconite 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 Eranthis hyemalis are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (eranthin A and eranthin B, bufadienolide group) as well as protoanemonin, a skin and mucous-membrane irritant common in Ranunculaceae. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, and in severe cases cardiac arrest. A documented case records fatal pulmonary oedema in a dog. The bitter taste deters most casual nibbling but veterinary advice should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats winter aconite?

All parts of Eranthis hyemalis are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (eranthin A and eranthin B, bufadienolide group) as well as protoanemonin, a skin and mucous-membrane irritant common in Ranunculaceae. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, and in severe cases cardiac arrest. A documented case records fatal pulmonary oedema in a dog. The bitter taste deters most casual nibbling but veterinary advice should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 winter aconite.

What should I do if my cat ate winter aconite?

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 winter aconite toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Winter Aconite is toxic to dogs as well. See the full winter aconite pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to winter aconite?

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 winter aconite pet-safety