PlantLegitIs English ivy safe for cats, dogs and kids?
Hedera helix
No. It is toxic to dogs and cats.
- DogsToxic: risk named by NC State, and ASPCA agrees
- CatsToxic: risk named by NC State, and ASPCA agrees
- KidsOn NC Poison Control's poisonous-plants list ("English Ivy")
Sources (5)
- NC State, Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets: Hedera helix – herbarium.ncsu.edu
- Cite as: Hardin, J.W., C.F. Brownie, and A. Krings. 2018-present. Plants poisonous to livestock and pets in North Carolina, 2.0. North Carolina State University, Raleigh. http://herbarium.ncsu.edu/poisonous/ (accessed 2026-10-24)
- Poisonous Plants – NC Poison Control – ncpoisoncontrol.org
- See also: ASPCA entry for English Ivy
- Poison Help line 1-800-222-1222 – HRSA – U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration
Think someone ate part of a plant?
- Child or adult: call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, 24/7; HRSA Poison Help).
- Dog or cat: call your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 (24/7; a fee may apply; ASPCA).
- Trouble breathing, seizures or collapse: call 911.
Details
NC State: NC State says to keep the berries away from cats and dogs. Leaves and berries are the poisonous parts. NC State entry
ASPCA cross-check: ASPCA lists it (English Ivy) as toxic to dogs and toxic to cats. See ASPCA
Kids: NC Poison Control lists "English Ivy" as a potentially poisonous plant. Keep it out of reach of young children.
Planning outdoor beds for spring? What’s OK to Plant ($12) gives you the plants that are legal and not invasive for your ZIP code, with sources.
Related
We summarize published sources in our own words. Not medical or veterinary advice. Checked 2026-10-24.