Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Bishop's Weed - what should I do?
Ammi majus
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Dermatitis, photosensitivity, drooling, and potential gastrointestinal upset.
Escalation note
Ingestion or skin contact can lead to severe reactions. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed or brushed against this plant.
What to watch for
Look for skin redness, sunburn-like patches, blistering, or hair loss on lightly furred areas (ears, nose, belly, around the eyes) — particularly after a sunny day following any contact with the plant. Skin may be painful or itchy. Drooling or mouth irritation is possible if leaves were chewed.
Time window
Photosensitization reactions typically need sun exposure after contact to develop, so signs may not appear until hours to a day later. ASPCA does not publish specific onset and recovery windows for cats; exact timing is not well documented.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if you see any sunburn-like skin lesions, swelling, or blisters; if your cat is licking or scratching one area persistently; or if you watched your cat chew the plant. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for triage.
What this means for your cat
Cats — toxic, in an unusual way. ASPCA lists Bishop's Weed as toxic to cats and reports the main effect is photosensitization — sunburn-like skin reactions and dermatitis after exposure to sunlight, rather than typical 'eat plant, throw up' poisoning. Cats with thin or light fur are especially exposed.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension (no first-aid guidance).
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.