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My cat ate a bit of ivy leaves but isn't sick. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9 lbs

My cat ate a bit of an ivy plant that my friend gave me yesterday. It looks like she only chewed on one or two leaves and hasnt been acting sick in any way. No vomiting or anything. I have moved the plant so she cannot get it, but should I do anything else?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on October 18th, 2020

As long as she only got a tiny amount, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. However, these plants can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and burning or irritation in the mouth, along with breathing difficulty, coma, or even death, if a sufficient amount of leaves is ingested. Keep an eye on her, if she will let you look in her mouth, check for any irritation, if she starts displaying any adverse symptoms, such as drooling, vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite, get her in to see your vet right away.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 22nd, 2017

    Certain species of ivy called English ivy or sweetheart ivy are toxic to cats. However, your picture doesn't resemble these. I would need to know what species your plant is. The effects of toxicity will depend on how much is ingested, to do real harm the cat would have to eat leaves as opposed to nibble. I would keep a really close eye and go to the vet at the first sign of trouble.

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