Pet safety
Is Billy buttonstoxic to cats & dogs?
Craspedia globosa
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Craspedia globosa
Is billy buttons safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — billy buttons is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. Craspedia globosa is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes known toxins such as chrysanthemums. Some sources report potential toxicity to cats and horses. Given the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing, caution is advised around pets; keep out of reach as a precaution.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats billy buttons?
Craspedia globosa is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes known toxins such as chrysanthemums. Some sources report potential toxicity to cats and horses. Given the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing, caution is advised around pets; keep out of reach as a precaution. 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 billy buttons, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate billy buttons
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move billy buttons 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 billy buttons 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 billy buttons
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)
Billy buttons and pets — frequently asked questions
Is billy buttons toxic to cats?
Billy buttons (Craspedia globosa) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Craspedia globosa is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes known toxins such as chrysanthemums. Some sources report potential toxicity to cats and horses. Given the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing, caution is advised around pets; keep out of reach as a precaution. 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 billy buttons toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Billy buttons (Craspedia globosa) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like billy buttons is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats billy buttons?
Craspedia globosa is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes known toxins such as chrysanthemums. Some sources report potential toxicity to cats and horses. Given the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing, caution is advised around pets; keep out of reach as a precaution. 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 billy buttons, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate billy buttons?
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 billy buttons to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to billy buttons?
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 billy buttons care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete billy buttons care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.