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Pet safety

Is Blanket Flower toxic to cats?

Gaillardia aristata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blanket flower 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. Gaillardia is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database, so pet status is unconfirmed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and stems contain sesquiterpene lactones that commonly cause contact dermatitis and skin/mouth irritation in sensitive people and pets handling or chewing the plant; wear gloves when cutting it back.

What to do if your cat ate blanket flower

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

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

Is blanket flower toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is blanket flower toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blanket flower 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. Gaillardia is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database, so pet status is unconfirmed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and stems contain sesquiterpene lactones that commonly cause contact dermatitis and skin/mouth irritation in sensitive people and pets handling or chewing the plant; wear gloves when cutting it back.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats blanket flower?

Gaillardia is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic database, so pet status is unconfirmed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and stems contain sesquiterpene lactones that commonly cause contact dermatitis and skin/mouth irritation in sensitive people and pets handling or chewing the plant; wear gloves when cutting it back. 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 blanket flower.

What should I do if my cat ate blanket flower?

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 blanket flower toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Blanket Flower is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full blanket flower pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to blanket flower?

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 blanket flower pet-safety