Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum), also known as cow parsley, is a tall flowering plant native to North America. This plant is toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with a catâs skin.
Cow Parsnip contains furanocoumarins like xanthotoxin, bergapten, and psoralen which are phototoxic compounds. The plant is commonly found in woodlands, grasslands, pastures, and along roadsides.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
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.
If a cat ingests or contacts Cow Parsnip, especially the seeds, and is then exposed to UV light, they may develop the following symptoms:
If you suspect your cat has contacted or ingested Cow Parsnip, seek immediate veterinary care. Your vet will:
A: Yes, cats can be allergic to Cow Parsnip. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, sneezing, and skin irritation.
A: Yes, Cow Parsnip is toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
A: Symptoms of Cow Parsnip poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion is suspected.
A: To prevent contact, ensure that Cow Parsnip is not present in your home or garden. Keep your cat indoors or monitor outdoor activities closely to avoid exposure.
A: If your cat ingests Cow Parsnip, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
A: Cow Parsnip is more commonly found in wild areas and along roadsides rather than home gardens. However, if you do have this plant in your vicinity, it is important to ensure it is kept out of reach of cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
Cow Parsnip is native to North America and can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has been used medicinally by Native Americans for treating burns and sedating patients. However, the sap contains furanocoumarins which are phototoxic and can cause phytophotodermatitis, a severe skin reaction, in humans as well.
Care must be taken around this invasive weed, especially with cats.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
