Is Peony Toxic to Cats?

Paeonia species

Peonies contain paeonol, which irritates the gut. Eating flowers or leaves causes vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

They arrive in the house as short-lived bouquets, often in May and June, and the petals drop where a cat can reach them.

Which parts are dangerous

• flowers
• leaves
• seeds

What to watch for in the UK

• Wedding and spring bouquets, and garden borders.
• Petals drop for days after the bouquet is past its best.
• Ants farm peony buds — another reason not to bring them in.
• Keep vases on a high surface and clear dropped petals.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Offer water and watch for vomiting.
2. Phone your vet if diarrhoea persists or the cat stops eating.
3. Clear dropped petals promptly.

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).