Pet safety
Is Comfreytoxic to cats & dogs?
Symphytum officinale
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Symphytum officinale
Is comfrey safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags comfrey 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. 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. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat 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 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. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat 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 comfrey, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate comfrey
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move 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 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 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)
Comfrey and pets — frequently asked questions
Is comfrey toxic to cats?
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) 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. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat 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 comfrey toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like comfrey is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats 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. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat 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 comfrey, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate 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 comfrey to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to 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 comfrey care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete comfrey care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.