What should I do if my cat ate English Ivy?

Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting persists more than a few hours, your cat refuses food or water, or you see signs of belly pain.

What should I do if my dog ate English Ivy?

Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting won't stop, your dog refuses food or water, or you see signs of abdominal pain or unusual lethargy.

English Ivy — (c) Marianna Boi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marianna Boi — Photo by (c) Marianna Boi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marianna BoiiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Marianna Boi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marianna BoiiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

English Ivy

Q: Is English Ivy safe for cats?

English Ivy is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion typically results in gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed this plant.

Q: Is English Ivy safe for dogs?

English Ivy is potentially toxic to dogs. While usually mild, ingestion can cause significant discomfort. Contact your veterinarian for guidance if your dog has ingested any part of the plant.

Hedera helix

English Ivy is a popular evergreen climbing vine often grown as a houseplant or groundcover. It contains triterpenoid saponins which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Branching IvyCommon IvyHedera helix

Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade
Habit: Vining or trailing
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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

Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, and diarrhea.

Escalation note

While usually mild, ingestion can cause significant discomfort. Contact your veterinarian for guidance if your dog has ingested any part of the plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Baby Rubber Plant

Peperomia obtusifolia

Baby rubber plant can be trained to trail in the same ivy niche and is not on major toxic lists.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

English Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins that can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Hedera helix is an evergreen woody vine that is widely used as a groundcover or climbing plant.

cats safety page My cat ate English Ivy dogs safety page My dog ate English Ivy

Often compared with

English Ivy vs Pothos

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.