Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Arkansas Beardtongue toxic to cats?

Penstemon arkansanus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists arkansas beardtongue as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Penstemon arkansanus is not found on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database for cats or dogs, so its safety cannot be confirmed either way. Classified here as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

What to do if your cat ate arkansas beardtongue

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move arkansas beardtongue out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of arkansas beardtongue to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten arkansas beardtongue, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is arkansas beardtongue toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is arkansas beardtongue toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists arkansas beardtongue as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Penstemon arkansanus is not found on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database for cats or dogs, so its safety cannot be confirmed either way. Classified here as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats arkansas beardtongue?

Penstemon arkansanus is not found on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database for cats or dogs, so its safety cannot be confirmed either way. Classified here as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of the plant. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to arkansas beardtongue.

What should I do if my cat ate arkansas beardtongue?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is arkansas beardtongue toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Arkansas Beardtongue is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full arkansas beardtongue pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to arkansas beardtongue?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full arkansas beardtongue pet-safety