Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 3.5 kg cat swallowed a raw artichoke leaf overnight. What should I watch for over the next 24 hours and when should I call the vet?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Most cats are fine — cooked hearts are safe, and the leaf is mainly a choking and irritation risk, not a poison. Watch closely for the first two hours: drooling, pawing at the mouth, retching, or coughing. Then keep an eye out over the next 24 hours for vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat. If any of those happen, or the cat seems quiet and listless, call your own vet. Otherwise just offer a normal meal and see how things go.

Artichoke — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Cooked artichoke hearts in small pieces are safe. Leaves and stems are choking risks.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Artichoke is not toxic to cats. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Artichoke can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Artichoke food facts page.

Open the full food page: Artichoke food facts →