English Ivy

Not listed does not mean safe.

kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · shows: Hedera helix

Hedera helix

Also known as: Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy

Family: Araliaceae · ASPCA plant record

Verdict at a glance

🐱 Cats⚠ Toxic 🐶 Dogs⚠ Toxic 🐴 Horses⚠ Toxic 🐰 Rabbits⚠ Toxic 🦜 Pet birds (general)! Caution🐢 Tortoises! Caution

Each tile reflects collected claims for that animal. Missing animals are listed below.

Evidence by animal

Sourced plant verdicts — read the original wording and scope
Animal	Verdict and evidence
Companion mammals
🐱 Cats	Cats: ⚠ Toxic ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — ⚠ Toxic Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses Read original source
🐶 Dogs	Dogs: ⚠ Toxic ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — ⚠ Toxic Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses Read original source
Horses & livestock
🐴 Horses	Horses: ⚠ Toxic ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — ⚠ Toxic Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses Read original source
Small mammals
🐰 Rabbits	Rabbits: ⚠ Toxic Wisconsin House Rabbit Society — Classes of Toxic Plants — ⚠ Toxic English Ivy Wisconsin House Rabbit Society chapter list (G. Flentke, 2012): Class 1 — "Do NOT expose rabbits to these plants." Read original source
Birds
🦜 Pet birds (general)	Pet birds (general): ! Caution VCA Animal Hospitals — Plants That Are Toxic to Birds — ! Caution English Ivy VCA: on the list of "many plants which may be poisonous to birds, although it is not exhaustive"; no asterisk, so not specifically reported harmful in birds. VCA notes information is often inferred from other species. Read original source
Reptiles
🐢 Tortoises	Tortoises: ! Caution Tortoise Trust — Toxic Plants and Tortoises — ! Caution English ivy Tortoise Trust toxic-plant list (from Highfield 2001): "Some plants on this list may be safely consumed in small or moderate quantities, but may be fatally toxic under certain circumstances or in large doses"; exact degree of toxicity unknown. Read original source

No reliable data for 17 animals

No reliable data for: Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Bearded dragons, Iguanas, Goats, Chickens & other poultry

No supported claim has been collected for these animals. Not listed does not mean safe; do not infer suitability from another species.

Toxic principles

ASPCA, as published: Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) Source

Clinical signs

ASPCA, as published: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries Source

Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-26. Source access dates and limitations.

Similar plants (same family)

Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.

Schefflera