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 Leatherflower safe for cats?
Clematis sp.
Clematis is a genus of climbing vines known for their showy, star-shaped flowers. While popular in gardens, all parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
ClematisClematis sp.LeatherflowerVirgin's Bower
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Climbing vine
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: ASPCA lists clematis as toxic, and Pet Poison Helpline notes it contains an irritant glycoside that causes oral and GI irritation. The good news for cat owners is that the plant tastes very bitter, which deters most cats from eating much of it.
What to watch for
Look for excessive salivation/drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severity is generally proportional to the amount chewed; mild oral irritation is the most common presentation.
Time window
Onset and recovery time are not well documented for clematis specifically; based on similar GI irritants, signs typically begin within a few hours and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if drooling or vomiting persists more than a few hours, your cat refuses to eat or drink, or you suspect more than a tiny taste was swallowed.
First aid at home
Remove any plant material from the mouth and offer fresh water to rinse it out. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian or poison control.
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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically causes gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has consumed any part of 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
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Provides botanical descriptions and horticultural information for the Clematis genus.
Same cat verdict
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