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If your cat ate forking larkspur — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Forking larkspur is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Forking larkspur — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take forking larkspur 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 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.
  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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate forking larkspur — FAQ

Is forking larkspur poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Forking larkspur (Consolida regalis) as toxic to cats. Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all pets and children.

How serious is it if my cat ate forking larkspur?

Forking larkspur is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all pets and children. 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 forking larkspur 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.

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