Growli

If your cat ate rolling houseleek — 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Rolling Houseleek is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Rolling Houseleek — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take rolling houseleek 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My cat ate rolling houseleek — FAQ

Is rolling houseleek poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Rolling Houseleek (Jovibarba globifera) as mildly toxic to cats. Jovibarba globifera is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Its close genus Sempervivum is ASPCA non-toxic, but without a confirmed direct listing for Jovibarba, classify as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure.

How serious is it if my cat ate rolling houseleek?

Rolling Houseleek 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. Jovibarba globifera is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Its close genus Sempervivum is ASPCA non-toxic, but without a confirmed direct listing for Jovibarba, classify as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. 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 rolling houseleek well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related