Is English Ivy Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Q: Is english ivy toxic to cats?

Toxic to cats. English ivy is toxic to dogs and cats. Its saponins can cause vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The leaves are more toxic than the berries.

Q: Is english ivy toxic to dogs?

Toxic to dogs. English ivy is toxic to dogs and cats. Its saponins can cause vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The leaves are more toxic than the berries.

Hedera helix

Cats

🟠 Toxic

Dogs

🟠 Toxic

Short answer: English ivy is toxic to dogs and cats. Its saponins can cause vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The leaves are more toxic than the berries.

Think your pet ate english ivy? call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Drooling
Diarrhea

Why it’s a problem

Toxic principle: Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin).

Also sold as branching, glacier, needlepoint, sweetheart or California ivy. The ASPCA notes the foliage is more toxic than the berries.

Frequently asked questions

Is English ivy deadly to cats?

The ASPCA lists vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling and diarrhea as the signs. Call your vet if your cat ate it, especially if signs are more than mild.

Other plants

Peace Lily
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Philodendron
Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane)
Calla Lily
Chinese Evergreen

Sources

ASPCA plant database: English Ivy

Last checked: 2026-11-11. General information, not veterinary advice.