Greater Ammi, also known as bishop’s weed, false Queen Anne’s lace, or Ammi majus, is a flowering plant that can be toxic to cats if ingested. This plant contains furocoumarin, a compound that is especially concentrated in the seeds and can cause photosensitization in animals.
Greater Ammi is commonly found in Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, but has been introduced to other regions as an ornamental plant or through wildflower seed mixes.
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 any part of the Greater Ammi plant, especially the seeds, they may experience various symptoms due to the toxic furocoumarin compound. Common signs of Greater Ammi poisoning in cats include:
If you suspect your cat has ingested Greater Ammi, it is crucial to seek veterinary care promptly. Your veterinarian will likely follow these steps to diagnose and treat your cat:
For more information on how your veterinarian may diagnose and treat plant poisoning in cats, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
A: Yes, Greater Ammi is toxic to cats. Ingesting this plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, and skin irritation.
A: Symptoms of Greater Ammi poisoning in cats include vomiting, excessive drooling, and skin irritation. Cats may also experience lethargy and loss of appetite.
A: If your cat has ingested Greater Ammi, seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
A: Yes, other plants like Cow Parsnip and Queen Anne’s Lace are also toxic to cats. It’s important to keep these and other harmful plants out of reach of your pets.
A: To prevent your cat from eating Greater Ammi, ensure the plant is placed in an area inaccessible to your cat or choose pet-safe plants. Providing alternative chew toys and engaging activities can help deter your cat from chewing on toxic plants.
A: If your cat shows signs of poisoning after eating Greater Ammi, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent serious health issues.
Greater Ammi is a member of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsley, and celery. The plant is native to the Nile River Valley but has since spread to various regions around the world. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Egypt and parts of Asia.
In some areas, Greater Ammi has been introduced as an ornamental plant due to its attractive, lace-like flower clusters. It has also been unintentionally spread through wildflower seed mixes, leading to its presence in pastures and along roadsides in some regions.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
