Is Yellow Prairie Wild Indigo toxic to cats?

Yes — yellow prairie wild indigo is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Baptisia species contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, throughout all plant parts. These alkaloids act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and can cause excessive salivation, anorexia, muscle tremors, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, vomiting, and depressed respiration in dogs and cats. The inflated dry seed pods used in floral arrangements can attract curious pets — keep arrangements out of reach. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Baptisia species contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, throughout all plant parts. These alkaloids act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and can cause excessive salivation, anorexia, muscle tremors, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, vomiting, and depressed respiration in dogs and cats. The inflated dry seed pods used in floral arrangements can attract curious pets — keep arrangements out of reach. Contact a veterinarian 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 yellow prairie wild indigo.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Yellow Prairie Wild Indigo is toxic to dogs as well. See the full yellow prairie wild indigo pet-safety guide for both species.

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.