Is Squirrel Corn Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Turkey Corn, Wild Bleeding Heart Relative, Dicentra canadensis · Dicentra canadensis
What makes it toxic
Isoquinoline alkaloids shared with its Dicentra and Corydalis relatives, concentrated in the underground tubers (the yellow “corns”) and present in foliage. They depress and then overstimulate the nervous system in quantity.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, trembling, staggering and dilated pupils within hours; larger ingestions can progress to seizures and breathing difficulty.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove the plant, rinse the mouth and call your vet — promptly so if the tubers were dug up and eaten, since those are the most alkaloid-rich part.
Common questions
Is squirrel corn related to bleeding heart?
Yes — both are Dicentra species of eastern woodlands, and both carry the same alkaloid class. Treat them with equal caution.
Why do the tubers tempt animals?
The small yellow bulblets look like kernels and are the part squirrels actually stockpile, hence the name. A curious cat digging in a shaded garden bed can dig them up too.
More plants checked for cats
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.