Pet safety
Is Bocking 14 Comfreytoxic to cats & dogs?
Symphytum x uplandicum 'Bocking 14'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Symphytum x uplandicum 'Bocking 14'
Is bocking 14 comfrey safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Bocking 14 Comfrey is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a Symphytum, Bocking 14 contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver if ingested by pets; signs include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. Despite being a useful garden plant, do not treat it as pet-safe.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats bocking 14 comfrey?
Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a Symphytum, Bocking 14 contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver if ingested by pets; signs include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. Despite being a useful garden plant, do not treat it as pet-safe. 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 bocking 14 comfrey, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate bocking 14 comfrey
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move bocking 14 comfrey 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 bocking 14 comfrey 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 bocking 14 comfrey
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:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Bocking 14 Comfrey and pets — frequently asked questions
Is bocking 14 comfrey toxic to cats?
Bocking 14 Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum 'Bocking 14') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a Symphytum, Bocking 14 contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver if ingested by pets; signs include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. Despite being a useful garden plant, do not treat it as pet-safe. 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 bocking 14 comfrey toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Bocking 14 Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum 'Bocking 14') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like bocking 14 comfrey is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats bocking 14 comfrey?
Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a Symphytum, Bocking 14 contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver if ingested by pets; signs include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. Despite being a useful garden plant, do not treat it as pet-safe. 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 bocking 14 comfrey, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate bocking 14 comfrey?
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 bocking 14 comfrey to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to bocking 14 comfrey?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. 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 bocking 14 comfrey care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete bocking 14 comfrey care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.