Pet emergency
My cat ate Dahlia 'Bora Bora' — what to do
Step by step
- Take dahlia 'bora bora' 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 'bora bora' — FAQ
Is dahlia 'bora bora' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Dahlia 'Bora Bora' (Dahlia 'Bora Bora') as mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists dahlia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, citing an unidentified toxic principle. Reported signs are mild: mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) and mild dermatitis from skin contact. Effects are generally minor rather than life-threatening, but ingestion should still be avoided and a vet consulted if signs develop.
How serious is it if my cat ate dahlia 'bora bora'?
Dahlia 'Bora Bora' 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 dahlia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, citing an unidentified toxic principle. Reported signs are mild: mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) and mild dermatitis from skin contact. Effects are generally minor rather than life-threatening, but ingestion should still be avoided and a vet consulted if signs develop. 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 'bora bora' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is dahlia 'bora bora' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Dahlia 'Bora Bora' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide