Pet emergency
My cat ate New England Aster — what to do
Step by step
- Take new england aster 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 new england aster — FAQ
Is new england aster poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) as mildly toxic to cats. Asters in the genus Symphyotrichum (formerly Aster) are NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database. With no ASPCA confirmation of pet-safe status, treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs.
How serious is it if my cat ate new england aster?
New England Aster 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. Asters in the genus Symphyotrichum (formerly Aster) are NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database. With no ASPCA confirmation of pet-safe status, treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. 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 new england aster well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is new england aster toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- New England Aster and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide