Pet emergency
My cat ate Delphinium 'Magic Fountains' — what to do
Step by step
- Take delphinium 'magic fountains' 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 delphinium 'magic fountains' — FAQ
Is delphinium 'magic fountains' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Delphinium 'Magic Fountains' (Delphinium elatum 'Magic Fountains') as toxic to cats. As a Delphinium cultivar it carries the genus toxicity; the ASPCA lists Delphinium (larkspur) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is diterpenoid alkaloids, highest in young foliage and seeds; ingestion can cause drooling, colic/constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, neuromuscular paralysis and possible cardiac or respiratory failure. Keep pets away.
How serious is it if my cat ate delphinium 'magic fountains'?
Delphinium 'Magic Fountains' is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 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. As a Delphinium cultivar it carries the genus toxicity; the ASPCA lists Delphinium (larkspur) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is diterpenoid alkaloids, highest in young foliage and seeds; ingestion can cause drooling, colic/constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, neuromuscular paralysis and possible cardiac or respiratory failure. Keep pets away. 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 delphinium 'magic fountains' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is delphinium 'magic fountains' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Delphinium 'Magic Fountains' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide