Pet emergency
My cat ate Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' — what to do
Step by step
- Take dahlia 'bishop of llandaff' 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 dahlia 'bishop of llandaff' — FAQ
Is dahlia 'bishop of llandaff' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' (Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff') as mildly toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Dahlia as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, classified as mildly toxic. The toxic principle is unknown; reported clinical signs are mild gastrointestinal upset and mild dermatitis. Keep plants and stored tubers away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested.
How serious is it if my cat ate dahlia 'bishop of llandaff'?
Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Dahlia as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, classified as mildly toxic. The toxic principle is unknown; reported clinical signs are mild gastrointestinal upset and mild dermatitis. Keep plants and stored tubers away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested. 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 dahlia 'bishop of llandaff' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is dahlia 'bishop of llandaff' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide