Pet emergency
My cat ate Bolero Painted Tongue — what to do
Step by step
- Take bolero painted tongue 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 bolero painted tongue — FAQ
Is bolero painted tongue poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Bolero Painted Tongue (Salpiglossis sinuata) as mildly toxic to cats. Salpiglossis sinuata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it belongs to Solanaceae, which includes several members with alkaloids and glycoalkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or children. Treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach as a precaution.
How serious is it if my cat ate bolero painted tongue?
Bolero Painted Tongue 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. Salpiglossis sinuata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it belongs to Solanaceae, which includes several members with alkaloids and glycoalkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or children. Treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach as a precaution. 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 bolero painted tongue well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is bolero painted tongue toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Bolero Painted Tongue and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide