Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Shamrock toxic to cats?

Extreme severity

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

Symptoms to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Inappetance
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Tremors
  • Bloody urine
  • Changes in thirst
  • Changes in urination

How vets treat it

Immediate veterinary evaluation is required if large quantities are ingested to manage calcium levels and monitor kidney function.

Why it's dangerous

Soluble oxalate salts are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and bind with the body's calcium, causing a sudden drop in calcium levels and potential acute renal failure.

Toxic compound: Soluble calcium oxalates

Good to know

The plant has a bitter taste which often deters large consumption; it must be differentiated from less toxic insoluble oxalate plants.

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

Packaged food? Scan the barcode.

StrawPaw's food scanner reads the barcode on packaged products and flags ingredients that are risky for dogs and cats — before anything reaches the bowl.

Download StrawPaw for iOS