Pet safety
Is New York Aster 'Fellowship'toxic to cats & dogs?
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Is new york aster 'fellowship' safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags new york aster 'fellowship' as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii is not individually listed by the ASPCA but aster species are generally considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Seek veterinary advice if a pet eats significant amounts.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats new york aster 'fellowship'?
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii is not individually listed by the ASPCA but aster species are generally considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Seek veterinary advice if a pet eats significant amounts. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to new york aster 'fellowship', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate new york aster 'fellowship'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move new york aster 'fellowship' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of new york aster 'fellowship' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to new york aster 'fellowship'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
New York Aster 'Fellowship' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is new york aster 'fellowship' toxic to cats?
New York Aster 'Fellowship' (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii is not individually listed by the ASPCA but aster species are generally considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Seek veterinary advice if a pet eats significant amounts. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is new york aster 'fellowship' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, New York Aster 'Fellowship' (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like new york aster 'fellowship' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats new york aster 'fellowship'?
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii is not individually listed by the ASPCA but aster species are generally considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Seek veterinary advice if a pet eats significant amounts. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to new york aster 'fellowship', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate new york aster 'fellowship'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of new york aster 'fellowship' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to new york aster 'fellowship'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full new york aster 'fellowship' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete new york aster 'fellowship' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.