Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Black Cohosh toxic to cats?

Actaea racemosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black cohosh 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. All parts of Actaea racemosa contain triterpene glycosides and may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by pets or humans. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the Ranunculaceae family is broadly considered irritating. Keep away from pets and children; the rhizome is used medicinally but is toxic in large doses.

What to do if your cat ate black cohosh

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move black cohosh 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 black cohosh to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is black cohosh toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is black cohosh toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black cohosh 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. All parts of Actaea racemosa contain triterpene glycosides and may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by pets or humans. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the Ranunculaceae family is broadly considered irritating. Keep away from pets and children; the rhizome is used medicinally but is toxic in large doses.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats black cohosh?

All parts of Actaea racemosa contain triterpene glycosides and may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by pets or humans. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the Ranunculaceae family is broadly considered irritating. Keep away from pets and children; the rhizome is used medicinally but is toxic in large doses. 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 black cohosh.

What should I do if my cat ate black cohosh?

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 black cohosh toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Black Cohosh is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full black cohosh pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to black cohosh?

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 black cohosh pet-safety