At a glance
| Plant | English ivy (Hedera helix) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) |
| Signs ASPCA lists | vomiting; belly pain; drooling; diarrhea |
| ASPCA page | English Ivy, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
ASPCA lists it under many names: branching, glacier, needlepoint, sweetheart and California ivy are all English ivy.
Outdoors, NC State calls it invasive and suggests growing it as a houseplant or in a patio pot instead.
Look-alikes
- Swedish ivy: non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Plectranthus, not an ivy. Non-toxic on ASPCA’s lists.
- Grape ivy: non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). A grape-family vine: three-part leaves with a forked tendril opposite each one.
Care basics
Light: Dappled shade.
Soil and water: Well-drained soil; NC State’s profile gives no watering interval for indoor plants.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Hedera helix.
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
