Pet safety
Is Good King Henrytoxic to cats & dogs?
Blitum bonus-henricus
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Blitum bonus-henricus
Is good king henry safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — good king henry 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. Blitum bonus-henricus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but its leaves are high in oxalic acid (with saponins in the seed), compounds that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten in quantity. Treat with caution, keep raw foliage away from pets, and verify with a vet.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats good king henry?
Blitum bonus-henricus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but its leaves are high in oxalic acid (with saponins in the seed), compounds that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten in quantity. Treat with caution, keep raw foliage away from pets, and verify with a vet. 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 good king henry, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate good king henry
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move good king henry 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 good king henry 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 good king henry
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)
Good King Henry and pets — frequently asked questions
Is good king henry toxic to cats?
Good King Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Blitum bonus-henricus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but its leaves are high in oxalic acid (with saponins in the seed), compounds that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten in quantity. Treat with caution, keep raw foliage away from pets, and verify with a vet. 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 good king henry toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Good King Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like good king henry is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats good king henry?
Blitum bonus-henricus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but its leaves are high in oxalic acid (with saponins in the seed), compounds that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten in quantity. Treat with caution, keep raw foliage away from pets, and verify with a vet. 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 good king henry, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate good king henry?
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 good king henry to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to good king henry?
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 good king henry care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete good king henry care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.