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American Mandrake Plant: A Guide to Cat Safety

Illustration of an American Holly plant in Ukiyo-e style

The American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum), also known as MayappleIndian Apple RootUmbrella LeafWild LemonHog AppleDuck’s Foot, or Raccoonberry, is a highly toxic plant to cats. While not typically associated with allergies, all parts of this herbaceous perennial, except the ripe fruit, contain the poisonous compounpodophyllin. 

American Mandrake is commonly found in woodlands, pastures, and along fences in eastern North America.

How Toxic is the American Mandrake Plant?

(Level 4) - Highly Toxic

It's crucial to act fast if you think your cat is poisoned, so consult a vet or contact the APCC 24-Hour Emergency Poison Hotline.

  • Level 1 - Minimally Toxic

    Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.

  • Level 2 - Mildly Toxic

    Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.

  • Level 3 - Moderately Toxic

    Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.

  • Level 4 - Highly Toxic

    Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.

  • Level 5 - Extremely Toxic

    All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.

** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.

Potential health concerns your cat could exhibit

If a cat ingests any part of the American Mandrake plant, it may experience various symptoms due to the toxic compound podophyllin. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount consumed, but common signs of American Mandrake poisoning in cats include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Panting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hypersalivation (excessive drooling)
  • Coma (rare)

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Potential diagnosis your Vet may give

If you suspect your cat has ingested American Mandrake, seek immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian will likely perform the following steps to diagnose and treat your cat:

  1. Physical examination to assess overall health and check for signs of poisoning.
  2. Blood tests to evaluate organ function and detect any abnormalities.
  3. Urinalysis to assess kidney function and check for damage.
  4. Treatment may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, providing intravenous fluids, and offering supportive care.

 

An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!
An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!

Common Questions About How the American Mandrake Plant is Dangerous to Cats

Q: Are cats allergic to American Mandrake?

A: Cats are not allergic to American Mandrake, but the plant is highly toxic to them. All parts of the plant, except the ripe fruit, contain the poisonous compound podophyllin.

Q: What are the symptoms of American Mandrake poisoning in cats?

A: Symptoms of American Mandrake poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, and in severe cases, coma. Dermal exposure can cause redness and skin ulcers.

Q: Which parts of the American Mandrake plant are toxic to cats?

A: All parts of the American Mandrake plant are toxic to cats, except for the ripe fruit. The plant contains podophyllin, a toxic compound.

Q: What should I do if my cat ingests American Mandrake?

A: If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of the American Mandrake plant, seek immediate veterinary care. The veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and provide supportive care such as IV fluids.

Q: Are there any safe alternatives to American Mandrake for cat owners?

A: Yes, there are many pet-safe plants that cat owners can keep instead of American Mandrake. Some options include spider plants, Boston ferns, and catnip. Always research a plant’s safety before bringing it into a home with cats.

Q: Where is American Mandrake commonly found?

A: American Mandrake is commonly found in woodlands, pastures, and along fences in eastern North America. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically blooms in May and produces a single, apple-like fruit.

Tracing the Roots of the American Mandrake Plant

American Mandrake has a long history of use by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including as a purgative, emetic, and treatment for syphilis. The plant’s common name, Mayapple, comes from the fact that it typically blooms in May and produces a single, apple-like fruit.

However, the plant should not be confused with the unrelated European mandrake (Mandragora officinarum), which has its own rich history of medicinal and magical uses. Today, an extract of American Mandrake is used in the treatment of warts due to the presence of the compound podophyllotoxin in its roots and rhizomes

Further reading and sources

Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.

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