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Is Wood Anemone toxic to cats?

Anemone nemorosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — wood anemone 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 contain protoanemonin, a vesicant glycoside that converts to the irritant anemonin on tissue contact. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested fresh; symptoms include bitter taste, burning and blistering of the mouth and throat, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in larger doses tremors or seizures. The sap also causes contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling. Protoanemonin degrades to non-toxic anemonin on drying. Classified as toxic to pets by veterinary sources; keep children and animals away from the plant.

What to do if your cat ate wood anemone

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

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

Is wood anemone toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wood anemone toxic to cats?

Yes — wood anemone is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain protoanemonin, a vesicant glycoside that converts to the irritant anemonin on tissue contact. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested fresh; symptoms include bitter taste, burning and blistering of the mouth and throat, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in larger doses tremors or seizures. The sap also causes contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling. Protoanemonin degrades to non-toxic anemonin on drying. Classified as toxic to pets by veterinary sources; keep children and animals away from the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wood anemone?

All parts contain protoanemonin, a vesicant glycoside that converts to the irritant anemonin on tissue contact. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested fresh; symptoms include bitter taste, burning and blistering of the mouth and throat, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in larger doses tremors or seizures. The sap also causes contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling. Protoanemonin degrades to non-toxic anemonin on drying. Classified as toxic to pets by veterinary sources; keep children and animals away from the plant. 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 wood anemone.

What should I do if my cat ate wood anemone?

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 wood anemone toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wood Anemone is toxic to dogs as well. See the full wood anemone pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wood anemone?

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 wood anemone pet-safety