Pet emergency
My cat ate Rough Blazing Star — what to do
Step by step
- Take rough blazing star 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 rough blazing star — FAQ
Is rough blazing star poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) as mildly toxic to cats. Liatris is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is commonly used in cut-flower bouquets and is generally regarded as low-risk, but ingestion of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset in pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate rough blazing star?
Rough Blazing Star 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. Liatris is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is commonly used in cut-flower bouquets and is generally regarded as low-risk, but ingestion of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset in pets. 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 rough blazing star well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is rough blazing star toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Rough Blazing Star and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide