Pet safety
Is New England Astertoxic to cats & dogs?
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Is new england aster safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags new england aster 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. Asters in the genus Symphyotrichum (formerly Aster) are NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database. With no ASPCA confirmation of pet-safe status, treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs.
| 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 england aster?
Asters in the genus Symphyotrichum (formerly Aster) are NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database. With no ASPCA confirmation of pet-safe status, treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. 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 england aster, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate new england aster
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move new england aster 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 england aster 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 england aster
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 England Aster and pets — frequently asked questions
Is new england aster toxic to cats?
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Asters in the genus Symphyotrichum (formerly Aster) are NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database. With no ASPCA confirmation of pet-safe status, treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. 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 england aster toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like new england aster is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats new england aster?
Asters in the genus Symphyotrichum (formerly Aster) are NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database. With no ASPCA confirmation of pet-safe status, treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. 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 england aster, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate new england aster?
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 england aster to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to new england aster?
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 england aster care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete new england aster care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.