Clematis
Clematis spp. · Ranunculaceae
How it looks
Clematis grows as a vine and bears flowers with 4-8 large, star-shaped petals that open wide. The colors are varied, including purple, pink, white, and red, and the flowers measure 2-8 in (5-20 cm) across. The leaves are opposite, feather-shaped compound leaves, and the plant twines around fences and arches.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Clematis contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Clematis rarely leads to serious trouble, but its protoanemonin can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Clematis spp.
- Common name
- Clematis
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Protoanemonin
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
