Poppy

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Collapse Not specified in the sources. · This represents a significant disruption of the nervous system and is extrapolated from reports in dogs and other mammals.
2. 2
   Dilated pupils Not specified in the sources. · This is a direct result of the plant's toxins affecting the central nervous system, assumed based on data from other mammals.
3. 3
   Vomiting Not specified in the sources. · Extrapolated from symptoms seen in dogs and other mammals.
4. 4
   Lack of coordination Not specified in the sources. · Caused by the plant's impact on the nervous system; assumed to occur in cats based on mammalian data.

Important notes

Poppy (Papaver spp.) is toxic to cats due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids — including morphine, codeine, papaverine, and related opioid compounds in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), and non-opioid isoquinolines in other species. All parts of the plant contain these alkaloids, with the highest concentration in the seed pod latex.

• Toxic compounds: isoquinoline alkaloids (opioid and non-opioid types depending on species); seed pod latex most concentrated
• Mechanism: opioid alkaloids bind to mu-opioid receptors, causing CNS and respiratory depression; cats are particularly sensitive to opioids
• Symptoms: sedation, lethargy, pin-point pupils, slow or laboured breathing, loss of coordination, vomiting; severe cases cause respiratory failure
• Even ornamental (non-opium) poppy species contain irritant alkaloids that cause GI upset
• Any suspected poppy ingestion warrants prompt veterinary evaluation due to opioid sensitivity in cats