Pet emergency
My cat ate Accent Scarlet Busy Lizzie — what to do
Step by step
- Take accent scarlet busy lizzie 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 accent scarlet busy lizzie — FAQ
Is accent scarlet busy lizzie poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Accent Scarlet Busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana) as mildly toxic to cats. Impatiens walleriana is listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, with the potential to cause mild gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested. Not considered severely toxic, but prevent pets from eating large quantities.
How serious is it if my cat ate accent scarlet busy lizzie?
Accent Scarlet Busy Lizzie 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. Impatiens walleriana is listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, with the potential to cause mild gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested. Not considered severely toxic, but prevent pets from eating large quantities. 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 accent scarlet busy lizzie well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is accent scarlet busy lizzie toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Accent Scarlet Busy Lizzie and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide