Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), also known as old-man-in-the-spring or common groundsel, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. While not an allergen, groundsel is highly toxic to cats if ingested. This poisonous plant commonly grows as a weed in gardens, pastures, and disturbed areas throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
The toxicity of groundsel for cats is due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are compounds that cause severe liver damage. Even small amounts of the plant can lead to liver failure if left untreated.
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 groundsel, it may display the following symptoms:
These symptoms usually appear within a few days of ingestion and can progress rapidly.
If you suspect your cat has eaten groundsel, seek veterinary care immediately. Your vet will likely perform the following steps to diagnose groundsel poisoning:
A: Yes, Groundsel is toxic to cats. Ingesting this plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage.
A: Symptoms of Groundsel poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can lead to liver damage and jaundice.
A: If your cat has ingested Groundsel, seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment often involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
A: Yes, other plants like Ragwort and Senecio are also toxic to cats. It’s crucial to keep these and other harmful plants out of reach of your pets.
A: To prevent your cat from eating Groundsel, avoid planting it in your garden or keep it in areas inaccessible to your cat. Providing safe chew toys and plenty of stimulation can help deter your cat from chewing on toxic plants.
A: If your cat shows signs of poisoning after eating Groundsel, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent serious health issues.
Groundsel has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine dating back to ancient times. It was mentioned in the works of Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides for treating various ailments. However, its toxicity was not well understood until modern times.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, groundsel was sometimes used as a purgative or emetic. It was also believed to have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties when applied topically.
Despite its historical medicinal uses, groundsel is now known to be unsafe for consumption by humans and animals due to its hepatotoxic effects. It is considered an invasive weed in many areas.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
