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 Clematis safe for cats?
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
What this means for your cat
Most cats taste clematis once and stop — the leaves contain protoanemonin, an irritant glycoside that produces an unpleasantly stinging mouth feel. ASPCA classifies clematis as toxic to cats, but reactions are usually mild GI and oral irritation rather than systemic poisoning.
What to watch for
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Oral redness or small mouth ulcers can show up after a real chew. Most cats stop eating the plant well before they swallow much.
Time window
Not precisely documented. In practice, oral irritation begins within minutes of chewing; GI signs typically appear within an hour and resolve in 12–24 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if drooling lasts more than a couple of hours, if vomiting or diarrhea repeats, or if your cat refuses food or water for more than a few hours.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance), NC State Extension.
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.
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
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.
Same cat verdict
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