Pet safety
Is Water Forget-me-nottoxic to cats & dogs?
Myosotis scorpioides
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Myosotis scorpioides
Is water forget-me-not safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — water forget-me-not 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. Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult 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 water forget-me-not?
Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult 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 water forget-me-not, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate water forget-me-not
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move water forget-me-not 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 water forget-me-not 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 water forget-me-not
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)
Water Forget-me-not and pets — frequently asked questions
Is water forget-me-not toxic to cats?
Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult 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 water forget-me-not toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like water forget-me-not is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats water forget-me-not?
Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult 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 water forget-me-not, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate water forget-me-not?
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 water forget-me-not to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to water forget-me-not?
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 water forget-me-not care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete water forget-me-not care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.