Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Belladonna toxic to cats?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Dilated pupils
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Respiratory Failure
  • Depression

How vets treat it

Immediate veterinary intervention is required to manage anticholinergic toxicity and support respiratory function.

Why it's dangerous

The plant contains tropane alkaloids with anticholinergic properties that inhibit nerve impulses by blocking receptors, leading to neurological and cardiac distress.

Toxic compound: tropane alkaloids

Good to know

All parts of the plant are toxic; shiny black berries produced in the fall are particularly enticing to pets.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

African Wonder Tree Extreme severity Andromeda Japonica Extreme severity Angel's Trumpet Extreme severity Autumn Crocus Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

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