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Pet safety

Is Black-Eyed Susan toxic to cats?

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black-eyed susan 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. Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so an authoritative pet-safe label cannot be confirmed. The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones and has bristly, hairy stems and leaves that can irritate skin, mouth and paws; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What to do if your cat ate black-eyed susan

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

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

Is black-eyed susan toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is black-eyed susan toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black-eyed susan 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. Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so an authoritative pet-safe label cannot be confirmed. The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones and has bristly, hairy stems and leaves that can irritate skin, mouth and paws; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats black-eyed susan?

Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so an authoritative pet-safe label cannot be confirmed. The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones and has bristly, hairy stems and leaves that can irritate skin, mouth and paws; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. 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-eyed susan.

What should I do if my cat ate black-eyed susan?

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-eyed susan toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to black-eyed susan?

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-eyed susan pet-safety