Pet emergency
My cat ate Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon' — what to do
Step by step
- Take ageratum houstonianum 'blue horizon' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate ageratum houstonianum 'blue horizon' — FAQ
Is ageratum houstonianum 'blue horizon' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon' (Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon') as toxic to cats. Ageratum houstonianum is not on the ASPCA list, but it contains pyrrolizidine-type alkaloids and coumarin compounds and is generally regarded as toxic if ingested. Treat it as toxic to pets and people; ingestion can cause digestive upset and, with chronic exposure, potential liver harm. Verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate ageratum houstonianum 'blue horizon'?
Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon' is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Ageratum houstonianum is not on the ASPCA list, but it contains pyrrolizidine-type alkaloids and coumarin compounds and is generally regarded as toxic if ingested. Treat it as toxic to pets and people; ingestion can cause digestive upset and, with chronic exposure, potential liver harm. Verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep ageratum houstonianum 'blue horizon' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is ageratum houstonianum 'blue horizon' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide