Is Ivy Toxic to Cats?

Hedera helix

Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins and polyacetylene compounds. Eating the leaves causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea; the berries are more concentrated and more dangerous.

It is on walls, fences and trees across the UK, and it also comes indoors in winter arrangements and wreaths.

Which parts are dangerous

• leaves
• berries
• sap

What to watch for in the UK

• Hedges and walls everywhere — a cat brushing through it may then groom the sap off.
• Christmas wreaths and garlands often contain ivy.
• Berries ripen in winter, when other food is scarce.
• Wear gloves when cutting it back.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Phone your vet if berries were eaten.
2. Rinse sap off the coat with a damp cloth if you can do it safely.
3. Watch for drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).