Is Mandrake Toxic to Cats?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Severe

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes — true mandrake is severely toxic to cats. Like henbane and jimson weed, it is loaded with tropane alkaloids that attack the nervous system.

Also known as: European Mandrake, Satan’s Apple, Mandragora officinarum · Mandragora officinarum

What makes it toxic

Tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine, scopolamine) concentrated in the thick forked root but present in leaves and berries. They block the parasympathetic nervous system and cause anticholinergic poisoning.

Warning signs to watch for

Dilated pupils, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, agitation and disorientation, then tremors, seizures, overheating and respiratory distress.

What to do if your cat eats it

Treat it like any nightshade-family anticholinergic emergency: go to a vet ER now with plant material for identification. Early decontamination and hospital support save lives.

Common questions

Is American mandrake the same plant?

No. What Americans call mandrake is mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), a different and also severely toxic species. Both names refer to plants that are dangerous to cats.

Are mandrake berries as dangerous as the root?

The root is the most concentrated, but the berries contain tropane alkaloids too. No part of the plant is safe.

More plants checked for cats

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or vines releases sharp calcium oxalate crystal Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. The gel is famously soothing for human skin, bu Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to cats. They are one of the best houseplants for homes with cur Easter Lily☠️ ToxicYes — and this is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can meet. Every part of an Easter lily,Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to cats and among the deadliest houseplants. Every part contai Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats — a classic choice for plant-loving cat households.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.