# Is Clover Toxic to Cats? Red, White and Wild Clover Is clover dangerous to cats? For the common red, white and wild clovers most cats brush against in a yard, the answer is usually no. These plants are not listed as toxic to cats, and a nibble or two is unlikely to cause serious harm. The real dangers come from moldy clover, clover mixed into bouquets with toxic flowers, and toxic plants that look like clover. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Red clover, white clover and most wild clovers are not considered toxic to cats, and eating a small amount is usually not an emergency. - Moldy or spoiled clover is a different story. Mold can create a toxin that interferes with blood clotting, and that toxin has caused serious bleeding problems in livestock that ate spoiled sweet clover hay or silage [1]. - Alsike clover is listed as toxic to horses, not cats, so a cat chewing it is not the same situation as a horse grazing on it [2]. - A clover flower picked from a mixed bouquet can carry pesticide residue or come from a plant that is genuinely toxic to cats, so check the whole arrangement, not just the clover. - If your cat ate clover and is drooling, vomiting, wobbling or bleeding, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. ## Is Clover Plant Toxic to Cats? Most of the clover you will find in a lawn, a park or a wild field belongs to the genus Trifolium. Red clover, white clover and alsike clover all fall into that group. The ASPCA lists alsike clover as toxic to horses, with unknown toxic principles and signs that include sunburn, skin ulcers and liver failure in that species [2]. That listing is about horses. It does not say clover is toxic to cats, and it does not describe cat poisoning from clover. Red clover has been studied in mammals without signs of serious toxicity. In a mouse study, red clover isoflavone extract was given by injection at several doses, and no notable stress responses were observed after the initial and booster immunizations [3]. In a human trial, postmenopausal women took red clover-derived isoflavones at 84 mg per day for eight weeks as part of a colorectal cancer risk study [4]. Those are not cat studies, and they do not prove that eating a handful of clover is harmless for your cat. They do show that red clover compounds have been used in living mammals without a pattern of acute poisoning. So when owners ask whether clover is dangerous to cats, the honest answer is that the plant itself is low risk. The risk sits in the details: what else is in the clover, how the clover was stored, and whether the plant is actually clover at all. ### Which Parts and Products Matter The leaves and flowers are the parts a cat is most likely to chew. A few bites of fresh red or white clover from an untreated lawn are unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset. Clover sprouts sold for human salads are also not a known cat poison, though they are not cat food. Clover-based supplements are a different product. Red clover isoflavone supplements are sold for human use, often in capsules. A cat that chews into a bottle of human capsules could swallow a large amount of concentrated extract, plus the capsule material. There is no cat dosing information for these products, so a veterinarian would need to calculate any concern based on your cat's weight and health. Moldy clover is the most serious clover-related hazard. Sweet clover (genus Melilotus) that is baled, stored wet or left in weathered round bales can grow mold that produces a toxin [1]. Animals that eat that spoiled hay or silage can develop delayed blood clotting and spontaneous bleeding [1]. This has mainly been reported in cattle and some horses, and it is usually a herd problem, not a single-animal problem [1]. A cat is very unlikely to eat spoiled hay, but a cat could nibble moldy clover in a compost pile, a damp garage corner or a neglected hay bale used as a garden decoration. ### Clover Look-Alikes That Are Toxic to Cats Some plants that owners call clover are not clover. Wood sorrel, also called false shamrock, has three heart-shaped leaflets and is often mistaken for clover. Oxalis species contain soluble oxalates and can cause drooling, vomiting and appetite loss in cats. That plant is not in published veterinary research, so treat it as a general caution and identify any plant before you let your cat near it. Ornamental plants in the heath family are a bigger concern. Rhododendron and Pieris japonica are the most frequently reported plants in grayanotoxin poisoning cases, and cats are among the companion animals affected [5]. These shrubs do not look like clover, but they often grow in the same yard or landscaping bed. A cat that nibbles a rhododendron leaf while walking past a clover patch is at risk from the shrub, not the clover. If you are trying to sort out which plants in your home or yard are safe, a good starting point is this guide to [plants toxic to cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats). For a broader list, see [what plants can be toxic to cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats). ## The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body Fresh clover does not have a well-described toxic principle for cats. The ASPCA lists the toxic principle of alsike clover as unknown, and that listing is for horses [2]. The toxin that matters most in clover-related poisoning is produced by mold, not by the plant. When sweet clover hay or silage is stored in a way that lets it mold, a toxin forms in the hay [1]. That toxin interferes with normal blood clotting. When an animal eats enough of it, clotting is delayed and spontaneous bleeding can result [1]. The same general problem appears in a review of plant-caused anemia in ruminants, which groups sweet clover with plants whose coumarins predispose animals to bleeding and hemorrhage [6]. Grayanotoxins work differently. These compounds come from plants in the heath family, including Rhododendron and Pieris japonica, and they caused poisoning in 11 companion animals in the cases reviewed, including cats [5]. Signs in those reports included retching, regurgitation and vomiting [5]. Again, this is a plant-identity problem, not a clover problem. ## Signs and Their Typical Timeline Signs after eating fresh clover are usually mild and gut-related. You might see drooling, one or two episodes of vomiting, or a cat that seems off its food for a few hours. Many cats show nothing at all. Signs from moldy sweet clover are delayed and serious. The time between eating toxic sweet clover and the appearance of signs varies greatly, and with low toxin levels an animal may eat it for months before disease appears [1]. When signs do appear, they come from faulty blood clotting and blood loss from ruptured vessels [1]. In a cat, that could mean unexplained bruising, bleeding gums, blood in the urine or stool, a bloody nose, or weakness from blood loss. This is an emergency. Signs from grayanotoxin-containing plants can start within hours. Vomiting and retching were common in the reported animal cases [5]. A cat that vomits repeatedly after chewing an outdoor shrub needs prompt veterinary care. ## What to Do Right Now If your cat just nibbled fresh clover and seems normal, take the plant away, rinse your cat's mouth if there is residue, and watch for a few hours. Offer water. Do not panic. If your cat ate moldy clover, spoiled hay or silage, or a clover product you cannot identify, call for advice right away. You can reach your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Have the plant or packaging with you if you can. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting can be dangerous if a cat is already weak, if the material could damage the mouth or throat on the way back up, or if the cat has a bleeding problem. Let the professional decide. If your cat is bleeding from the gums, nose or rectum, bruising easily, collapsing, breathing hard or having repeated vomiting, skip the phone call and go to an emergency clinic now. ## Veterinary Treatment Treatment depends on what your cat actually ate and what signs it has. For a mild fresh-clover nibble with no signs, a veterinarian may simply examine your cat, ask about the amount and timing, and send you home with monitoring instructions. For a cat with vomiting or drooling, care is supportive. That can include fluids under the skin or into a vein, medication to settle nausea, and a bland diet once the stomach calms down. Blood work may be checked if the cat is not improving. For suspected moldy sweet clover exposure, the veterinarian will focus on clotting. Diagnosis in animals is based on a history of eating sweet clover hay or silage over a relatively long period, the signs, and a prolonged blood clotting time [1]. In a cat, that means a physical exam, blood work including a clotting panel, and possibly imaging. Treatment may include vitamin K therapy, plasma or blood products, and careful monitoring for internal bleeding. The dose of any medication is calculated by the veterinarian from your cat's weight and health, so there is no home dose to use. For grayanotoxin exposure, treatment is also supportive. The review of animal cases summarized common clinical signs and treatment, with vomiting and regurgitation being frequent [5]. Your veterinarian will manage hydration, nausea and heart rate as needed. ## Outlook The outlook for a cat that ate a small amount of fresh clover is generally good. Most cats have mild signs or none at all. The outlook for moldy sweet clover poisoning depends on how much toxin was eaten and how quickly care starts. The only certain method of prevention is to avoid feeding sweet clover hay or silage [1]. For a household cat, that means keeping spoiled hay, moldy compost and damp clover clippings out of reach. The outlook for grayanotoxin poisoning depends on the plant and the amount eaten. Cats were among the companion animals affected in reported cases, and vomiting was a common sign [5]. Early veterinary care gives the best chance of a full recovery. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The simplest prevention is to know what is growing where your cat spends time. Walk your yard and identify the plants. If you cannot identify something, keep your cat away from it or remove it. Keep compost, moldy hay, damp clippings and spoiled silage sealed or fenced off. Mold is the main clover-related hazard for a house cat, and it is entirely avoidable [1]. Check every bouquet before it comes inside. A mixed arrangement can include lilies, which are severely toxic to cats, along with clover and other filler flowers. If you are unsure about a flower, leave it at the store. This guide to [what plants and flowers are toxic to cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) can help you screen a bouquet. If you want a cat-safe plant to brighten a room, choose from a list of non-toxic species. Spider plants, Boston ferns and cat grass are common choices. Avoid any plant you cannot name. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No article can tell you what is happening inside your individual cat. A veterinarian who examines your cat and knows its history can. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat ate clover from a moldy source, ate an unknown amount of a clover supplement, or has vomited more than once. Call right away if you see bleeding gums, a bloody nose, blood in the stool or urine, unexplained bruises, weakness, collapse or trouble breathing. Those signs point to a clotting problem and need emergency care. Schedule a routine visit if your cat has had mild stomach upset that keeps coming back, or if you are not sure whether a plant in your home is safe. Bring a photo or a cutting of the plant with you. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is red clover toxic to cats? Red clover is not listed as toxic to cats. Red clover compounds have been given to mice and to women in research settings without a pattern of acute poisoning, though those were not cat studies [3][4]. A small nibble of fresh red clover is unlikely to harm your cat. ### Is wild clover toxic to cats? Wild clover from the genus Trifolium is generally not toxic to cats. The bigger risk in a wild patch is what else is growing there, such as rhododendron or Pieris japonica, which have caused grayanotoxin poisoning in companion animals including cats [5]. Identify the whole patch, not just the clover. ### Is clover flower toxic to cats? A fresh clover flower is not a known cat poison. A clover flower that came from a florist bouquet is a different question, because it may carry pesticide residue or sit next to a toxic flower. Rinse and inspect any flower before your cat can reach it. ### Can my cat get sick from eating moldy clover? Yes. Moldy sweet clover can contain a toxin that delays blood clotting and causes spontaneous bleeding, and this has been reported mainly in cattle and some horses that ate spoiled hay or silage [1]. A cat that eats moldy clover or spoiled hay should be seen by a veterinarian. ### What should I do if my cat ate clover and is vomiting? Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Repeated vomiting, especially with weakness or bleeding, needs emergency care. ## Related Articles - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-snake-plants-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [What Kind Of Plants Are Harmful To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-kind-of-plants-are-harmful-to-cats) - [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Houseplants Toxic To Cats Reddit](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/houseplants-toxic-to-cats-reddit) - [Is Clover Toxic to Dogs and Cats? What to Know](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/clover-toxic-to-dogs-cats) - [Is Lucky Clover Toxic to Cats? What Owners Should Know](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/lucky-clover-toxic-cats) - [Is Purple Prairie Clover Toxic to Cats? Clover Safety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/purple-prairie-clover-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Sweet Clover Poisoning - Special Pet Topics](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/poisoning/sweet-clover-poisoning). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Alsike Clover](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/alsike-clover). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Application of red clover isoflavone extract as an adjuvant in mice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32010286/). Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 2020. 4. [No effect of red clover-derived isoflavone intervention on the insulin-like growth factor system in women at increased risk of colorectal cancer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18842999/). Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, 2008. 5. [Grayanotoxin poisoning in animals following the ingestion of Ericaceae plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41544885/). Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997), 2026. 6. [Anaemia in Ruminants Caused by Plant Consumption](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36139233/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2022. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)