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Mushrooms & Fungi

Can cats eat wild mushrooms?

EmergencyCats

The same uncertainty applies to cats: an unidentified wild mushroom should be treated as an emergency because a small number of species can cause fatal liver or kidney damage.

Toxic principle: varies by species: amatoxins, muscarine, ibotenic acid/muscimol, gyromitrin, and others

Watch for

  • vomiting
  • drooling
  • disorientation
  • tremors
  • seizures
  • with liver-toxic species, jaundice and liver failure days later

Frequently asked questions

Can cats eat wild mushrooms?

The same uncertainty applies to cats: an unidentified wild mushroom should be treated as an emergency because a small number of species can cause fatal liver or kidney damage.

What should I do if my cat ate wild mushrooms?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

What symptoms should I watch for with wild mushrooms and cats?

vomiting, drooling, disorientation, tremors, seizures, with liver-toxic species, jaundice and liver failure days later. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

Read our methodology for how every cat food verdict is sourced and reviewed.