Pet emergency
My cat ate Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit' — what to do
Step by step
- Take eryngium planum 'blue hobbit' 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate eryngium planum 'blue hobbit' — FAQ
Is eryngium planum 'blue hobbit' poisonous to cats?
Yes — Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit' (Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit') is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Sea holly (Eryngium, family Apiaceae) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists and no toxic principle is reported for it, but because it is not affirmatively confirmed pet-safe by the ASPCA, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. The spiny bracts can also mechanically irritate the mouth if chewed.
How serious is it if my cat ate eryngium planum 'blue hobbit'?
Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit' 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. Sea holly (Eryngium, family Apiaceae) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists and no toxic principle is reported for it, but because it is not affirmatively confirmed pet-safe by the ASPCA, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. The spiny bracts can also mechanically irritate the mouth if chewed. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep eryngium planum 'blue hobbit' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- My cat ate sea holly — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is eryngium planum 'blue hobbit' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant