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

My indoor cat ate two small wild mushrooms she found in the yard — how urgent is this?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

This is an urgent situation. Never feed wild mushrooms to a cat, as several species can cause severe liver failure or death, and identification is extremely difficult. The danger is not about a specific amount — even a small bite from a toxic variety can be fatal. Signs like vomiting, lethargy, or wobbliness can be delayed for hours. Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately, and try to bring a sample of the mushroom if possible.

Wild mushrooms — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Never feed wild mushrooms — several species cause liver failure or death. Even store mushrooms are best cooked.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Wild mushrooms should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

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

Open the full food page: Wild mushrooms food facts →