Cats & Dogs
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
Pet safety reference
Clematis
Clematis spp.
Clematis is a genus of popular flowering vines known for their showy blooms and climbing habit. While beautiful in the garden, they contain irritant compounds that can cause discomfort if ingested by pets.
Clematis spp.Leather flowerVase vineVirgin's bower
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Climbing vine
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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. If your cat has consumed any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential irritation of the mouth or throat.
Escalation note
While usually mild, ingestion can lead to digestive upset. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested 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
Clematis is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of protoanemonin.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Clematis is a large genus of mostly woody vines that are widely cultivated for their ornamental flowers.
Questions about Clematis
Is clematis toxic to cats?
Yes, clematis is considered potentially toxic to cats. The plant contains irritant compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation if ingested.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating clematis?
Oral irritation typically begins within minutes of chewing, while GI signs like vomiting and diarrhea usually appear within an hour. You may also notice your cat drooling, pawing at its mouth, or showing redness and small sores inside the mouth. Most cats stop eating the plant before swallowing much.
What should I do if my cat ate clematis?
Monitor your cat closely for drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most cases resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if drooling lasts more than a couple of hours, vomiting or diarrhea repeats, or your cat refuses food or water for more than a few hours.
How quickly do clematis symptoms appear in cats?
Oral irritation can begin within minutes of your cat chewing on the plant. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea typically follow within an hour. With supportive care, signs generally resolve within 12–24 hours, though the exact timeline is not precisely documented.
Is clematis toxic to dogs?
Yes, clematis is toxic to dogs. It contains irritant compounds that can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth or throat if ingested. The severity is typically mild, but ingestion should not be ignored.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating clematis?
Signs include drooling, lip-smacking or pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Oral redness or small ulcers may also appear. Oral irritation can begin within minutes of ingestion, and GI symptoms typically develop within an hour.
What should I do if my dog ate clematis?
Remove your dog from the plant and check their mouth for redness or ulcers. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if drooling persists more than a couple of hours, vomiting or diarrhea repeats, or your dog refuses food or water.
How long do clematis poisoning symptoms last in dogs?
Specific timing is not formally documented, but in practice GI signs typically begin within an hour of ingestion and resolve within 12–24 hours. Even a large dog that ate vines or flowers can experience meaningful GI upset, so monitor closely throughout that window.
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