Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Stinging Nettle toxic to cats?

High severity

Yes. Exposure can cause serious illness and needs prompt veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Erythema
  • Swelling
  • Intense itching
  • Profuse salivation
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Labored breathing
  • Muscle fasciculations
  • Ataxia

How vets treat it

Decontaminate the skin by washing to remove irritants; seek veterinary care for systemic signs like respiratory distress or muscle twitching.

Why it's dangerous

Fine hairs called trichomes break upon contact, injecting histamine and other irritants into the skin or oral tissues, causing localized inflammation or systemic toxicity if ingested.

Toxic compound: Histamine

Good to know

The plant's needles act like hypodermic syringes; ingestion leads to more severe neurological and respiratory symptoms compared to simple skin contact.

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.

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