Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Bishop's Weed safe for cats?
Ammi majus
Bishop's Weed is an annual herb often grown for its delicate, lace-like white flower clusters. It contains furanocoumarins which can cause skin irritation and systemic issues if ingested.
Ammi majusBishop's WeedFalse Queen Anne's LaceGreater Ammi
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright, branching
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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.
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.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
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.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Bishop's Weed is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of furanocoumarins.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Ammi majus is an annual herb that can cause contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans and animals.
Questions about Bishop's Weed
Is Bishop's Weed toxic to cats?
Yes, Bishop's Weed (Ammi majus) is potentially toxic to cats. It contains furanocoumarins that can cause dermatitis, photosensitivity, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset whether your cat ingests it or simply brushes against it.
What symptoms does Bishop's Weed cause in cats?
Watch for sunburn-like skin redness, blistering, or hair loss on lightly furred areas like the ears, nose, belly, and around the eyes — especially after a sunny day following contact with the plant. If your cat chewed the plant, drooling or mouth irritation is also possible.
What should I do if my cat touched or ate Bishop's Weed?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect contact or ingestion. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 for triage. Keep your cat indoors and out of sunlight, since the furanocoumarin reaction requires sun exposure to develop — signs may not appear until hours or even a day after contact.
Why might my cat's skin reaction from Bishop's Weed be delayed?
Bishop's Weed causes photosensitization, meaning the furanocoumarins it contains react with UV light to damage skin tissue. Symptoms like redness, blistering, or sunburn-like patches typically don't appear until after the cat has been exposed to sunlight following contact — so reactions are often not seen until hours or up to a day later.
Same cat verdict
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