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Is English ivy toxic to cats and dogs?

Toxic to cats and dogs. English ivy contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin).

English ivy — Hedera helix
This guide is aboutEnglish ivy Hedera helixToxic to petsEnglish ivy care guide →
Toxic to cats and dogsCatsDogs

English ivy Hedera helix

Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) · ASPCA

What to do if your pet ate it

If you think your cat or dog ate any part of English ivy, act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  1. Remove the plant from the pet’s reach.
  2. Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
  3. Have the plant’s name or a photo, roughly how much, and when it happened ready when you call.

Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to. It can make some poisonings worse.

Symptoms

In cats and dogs, contact or ingestion can cause:

  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Non-toxic plants for the same spot and light

Non-toxic plants that suit the same spot:

Rattlesnake plantCalathea lancifoliaMedium / indirect lightPet-safeAfrican violetSaintpaulia ionanthaMedium / indirect lightPet-safeChristmas cactusSchlumbergera spp.Medium / indirect lightPet-safePolka dot plantHypoestes phyllostachyaMedium / indirect lightPet-safe

Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.

All English ivy guides

Related plants

Same genus or the same care pattern.

Fiddle-leaf fig: Pet toxicityFicus lyrataToxic to petsMonsteraMonstera deliciosaSame light and wateringToxic to petsGolden pothosEpipremnum aureumToxic to petsZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifoliaToxic to pets

Frequently asked questions

Is English ivy toxic to cats?

Yes, English ivy, which contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin), is toxic to cats. If your cat chews or ingests any part of the plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting, and oral irritation.

Is English ivy toxic to dogs?

Yes, English ivy is toxic to dogs. Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats any part of it. Do not wait for symptoms.

What should I do if my cat ate English ivy?

Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately. You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24/7). Try to bring a piece of the plant or a photo so the vet can identify the species. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.

Can I keep English ivy with pets?

English ivy is toxic to cats and dogs, so it is best kept out of reach: ideally in a room your pets cannot access, or replaced with a non-toxic alternative. See the pet-safe alternatives listed on this page.

ASPCA reference · Last reviewed: 2026-09-01