Pet emergency
My cat ate Foamy Bells 'Sweet Tea' — what to do
Step by step
- Take foamy bells 'sweet tea' 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 foamy bells 'sweet tea' — FAQ
Is foamy bells 'sweet tea' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Foamy Bells 'Sweet Tea' (× Heucherella 'Sweet Tea') as mildly toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Heuchera (Coral Bells/Alumroot) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, but × Heucherella is a Heuchera × Tiarella hybrid not individually listed by the ASPCA, and Tiarella is unlisted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of any plant can cause mild GI upset.
How serious is it if my cat ate foamy bells 'sweet tea'?
Foamy Bells 'Sweet Tea' 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. ASPCA lists Heuchera (Coral Bells/Alumroot) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, but × Heucherella is a Heuchera × Tiarella hybrid not individually listed by the ASPCA, and Tiarella is unlisted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of any plant can cause mild GI upset. 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 foamy bells 'sweet tea' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is foamy bells 'sweet tea' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Foamy Bells 'Sweet Tea' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide