Pet emergency
My cat ate Mountain African Daisy — what to do
Step by step
- Take mountain african daisy 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 mountain african daisy — FAQ
Is mountain african daisy poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Mountain African Daisy (Osteospermum jucundum) as mildly toxic to cats. Osteospermum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The ASPCA's 'African Daisy' non-toxic entry refers specifically to Gerbera jamesonii, not Osteospermum. In the absence of a confirmed safety listing, caution is advised; consult a vet if a pet ingests any part of the plant.
How serious is it if my cat ate mountain african daisy?
Mountain African Daisy 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. Osteospermum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The ASPCA's 'African Daisy' non-toxic entry refers specifically to Gerbera jamesonii, not Osteospermum. In the absence of a confirmed safety listing, caution is advised; consult a vet if a pet ingests any part of the plant. 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 mountain african daisy well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is mountain african daisy toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Mountain African Daisy and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide