Is Peony toxic to cats?
Peony is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): its paeonol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, and Pet Poison Helpline ties the upset to eating large amounts — a bouquet nibble is unlikely to matter, a feast can.
- TOXINpaeonol
- WHAT TO EXPECTvomiting; diarrhea; depression
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists or worsens, or your cat stops eating or drinking.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| vomiting |
| diarrhea |
| depression |
If your cat just ate it
Care at a glance
FAQ
What happens if my cat eats peony petals?
Usually an upset stomach, and only after a fair amount. The ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea, and depression from the toxic principle paeonol, and Pet Poison Helpline ties the effect to quantity: "ingestion of large amounts of peony plant by companion animals results in gastrointestinal distress." That is why the grade is S1 Caution — gastrointestinal signs only, with no contact irritation and no systemic effect on record. A petal or two from a bouquet is unlikely to matter; a cat that ate the whole flower head may vomit or go off its food. Move the vase, and if signs persist, call your vet.
Is peony toxic to dogs the same way?
Yes, and on the same evidence. The ASPCA lists peony as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses with the same principle, paeonol, and the same signs — vomiting, diarrhea, and depression — and Pet Poison Helpline's entry is written for companion animals generally, with the same "large amounts" qualifier. So dogs get the same S1 Caution grade as cats. A dog is likelier than a cat to eat a lot of a plant at once, which is the scenario the sources describe, so a bouquet or a garden peony a dog has been at is worth a watch. If signs persist, call your vet.