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Is Yellow Horned Poppy toxic to cats?

Glaucium flavum

Toxic to cats

Yes — yellow horned poppy 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 Glaucium flavum contain isoquinoline alkaloids, principally glaucine, which is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), central nervous system depression, sedation, and ataxia. The milky sap also irritates skin and mucous membranes. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or a vet immediately if a pet has ingested any part of this plant.

What to do if your cat ate yellow horned poppy

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

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

Is yellow horned poppy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is yellow horned poppy toxic to cats?

Yes — yellow horned poppy 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 Glaucium flavum contain isoquinoline alkaloids, principally glaucine, which is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), central nervous system depression, sedation, and ataxia. The milky sap also irritates skin and mucous membranes. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or a vet immediately if a pet has ingested any part of this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats yellow horned poppy?

All parts of Glaucium flavum contain isoquinoline alkaloids, principally glaucine, which is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), central nervous system depression, sedation, and ataxia. The milky sap also irritates skin and mucous membranes. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or a vet immediately if a pet has ingested any part of this 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 yellow horned poppy.

What should I do if my cat ate yellow horned poppy?

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 horned poppy toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to yellow horned poppy?

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 horned poppy pet-safety