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If your cat ate cat's-ear — 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.

Cat's-ear is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Cat's-ear — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take cat's-ear 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 cat's-ear — FAQ

Is cat's-ear poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) as mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Hypochaeris radicata (Catsear) as toxic to horses, causing stringhalt — an exaggerated flexion of the hind legs leading to a hopping gait; the toxic principle is unknown. Its toxicity to cats and dogs is not confirmed in the ASPCA database. A mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution for companion animals until species-specific data is available. Consult a veterinarian promptly if ingestion is suspected.

How serious is it if my cat ate cat's-ear?

Cat's-ear 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. The ASPCA lists Hypochaeris radicata (Catsear) as toxic to horses, causing stringhalt — an exaggerated flexion of the hind legs leading to a hopping gait; the toxic principle is unknown. Its toxicity to cats and dogs is not confirmed in the ASPCA database. A mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution for companion animals until species-specific data is available. Consult a veterinarian promptly 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 cat's-ear well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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