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.
cat safety reference
Is Spotted Water Hemlock safe for cats?
Cicuta maculata
Cicuta maculata is a highly dangerous perennial plant containing cicutoxin, which acts as a potent neurotoxin. It is considered one of the most poisonous plants in North America and should be strictly avoided in any environment accessible to pets.
Beaver PoisonCicuta maculataMusquash RootSpotted Water Hemlock
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Care
- High (due to extreme toxicity)
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: extremely dangerous. The toxin cicutoxin acts directly on neurons in the brain and central nervous system, and Pet Poison Helpline notes that all parts of the plant are poisonous, with the highest concentration in the roots. Even small ingestion can cause rapid, severe neurological signs.
What to watch for
ASPCA reports diarrhea, seizures, tremors, severe abdominal pain, dilated pupils, fever, bloat, respiratory depression, and death. Pet Poison Helpline adds that cats specifically may show agitation, drooling, and paralysis.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline indicates clinical signs can begin shortly after ingestion; specific recovery durations are not documented because severe poisoning is often fatal.
When to call the vet
Call immediately on any suspected exposure — do not wait for symptoms to appear. There is no antidote, and outcomes depend on rapid supportive care.
First aid at home
Pet Poison Helpline specifically warns that hydrogen peroxide is never safe to give to cats and can cause stomach bleeding, so do not attempt to induce vomiting at home. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 and transport the cat to the nearest emergency veterinarian.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Excessive salivation, muscle twitching, seizures, respiratory distress, and potential cardiac arrest.
Escalation note
This plant is extremely lethal; ingestion of even a small amount can cause rapid onset of severe neurological symptoms. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
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
Same cat verdict
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