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If your cat ate blanket flower — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Blanket Flower is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Blanket Flower — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take blanket flower away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 blanket flower — FAQ

Is blanket flower poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) as mildly toxic to cats. Gaillardia is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database, so pet status is unconfirmed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and stems contain sesquiterpene lactones that commonly cause contact dermatitis and skin/mouth irritation in sensitive people and pets handling or chewing the plant; wear gloves when cutting it back.

How serious is it if my cat ate blanket flower?

Blanket Flower 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. Gaillardia is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database, so pet status is unconfirmed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and stems contain sesquiterpene lactones that commonly cause contact dermatitis and skin/mouth irritation in sensitive people and pets handling or chewing the plant; wear gloves when cutting it back. 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 blanket flower well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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