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Is Yellow Barrenwort toxic to cats?

Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists yellow barrenwort 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. Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' is not individually listed by ASPCA. Epimedium species contain icariin and flavonoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. Not associated with life-threatening toxicity, but ingestion should be avoided.

What to do if your cat ate yellow barrenwort

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

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

Is yellow barrenwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is yellow barrenwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists yellow barrenwort 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. Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' is not individually listed by ASPCA. Epimedium species contain icariin and flavonoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. Not associated with life-threatening toxicity, but ingestion should be avoided.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats yellow barrenwort?

Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' is not individually listed by ASPCA. Epimedium species contain icariin and flavonoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. Not associated with life-threatening toxicity, but ingestion should be avoided. 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 yellow barrenwort.

What should I do if my cat ate yellow barrenwort?

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 yellow barrenwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Yellow Barrenwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full yellow barrenwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to yellow barrenwort?

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 yellow barrenwort pet-safety