Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Peony - what should I do?
Paeonia officinalis
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
Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Per Pet Poison Helpline, get the cat away from the plant and gently wipe plant material from in and around the mouth with a damp cloth. Never induce vomiting in a cat.
What to watch for
Vomiting and diarrhea are most common; lethargy and a 'depressed,' low-energy demeanor often follow. Cats may also drool from the bitter taste.
Time window
Onset is usually within hours of ingestion; uncomplicated GI signs typically resolve in 24-48 hours with rest and bland feeding. Exact paeonol timing is not well documented.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists more than a few hours, your cat refuses food and water, or the lethargy looks severe. A same-day appointment is normally appropriate; ER care is rarely needed.
What this means for your cat
Cats that chew peony leaves, stems, or — most concentrated — bark, can develop GI distress from the plant's paeonol. ASPCA describes signs as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression; severity is generally mild to moderate, and this is not a cyanide-style stone-fruit emergency.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.