Are Hedera Helix Poisonous to Cats?

English Ivy and Cats

• English ivy climbs with twining tendrils or hugs the ground with root clusters. Left to its own devices, a single plant may climb 100 feet. As a ground cover, it grows 6 to 9 inches high and spreads up to 100 feet. Its dense, bright- to deep-green foliage makes ideal cover for cat-tempting wildlife, including frogs, lizards, small rodents and ground-feeding birds. It also gives kitty a cool, damp place to snooze on hot days. Although cats are not likely to feast on English ivy while exploring its recesses, they may ingest enough of it to suffer some uncomfortable consequences.

The Toxins

• English ivy’s leaves, stems and berries all contain a triterpenoid saponin called hederagenin. Its sap contains poisonous polyacetylenes. The California Poison Control System rates these compounds as level-1 and level-3 toxins. They affect people as well as pets. Ingesting large amounts of the leaves, berries or stems causes digestive distress, including nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Any contact with the sap, however, could give your pet red, blistered or itchy skin.

What to Do

• If you catch your kitty munching on the English ivy, remove the animal from the ivy patch. Check its mouth and tongue for signs of irritation and remove all traces of the plant. Rinse its mouth and paws, and if your pet seems thirsty, give it a few sips of water and monitor the cat for symptoms. Then call your vet, the ASPCA or a pet poison control helpline. Bring along some ivy leaves, stems and berries if you're instructed to take your cat to the animal hospital.

English Ivy Alternatives

• Consider replacing your toxic and invasive English ivy with a cat-safe ground cover or vine. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, evergreen, Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) stands 8 inches to 1 foot high. The shade-loving, quickly spreading ground cover features spires of delicate, white spring flowers and oval, dark-green leaves. For a sun-loving ivy replacement that doubles as a ground cover or 20-foot climber, consider trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Semi-evergreen in the warm-winter areas of USDA zones 4 through 9, it has blue-green foliage and clusters of dainty, red trumpet flowers. The yellow-throated blooms attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies from spring to fall.