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Is Blue blossom toxic to cats?

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blue blossom 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. Ceanothus species are not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, but the genus contains ceanothine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities of plant material are ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure; the risk of serious harm is considered low.

What to do if your cat ate blue blossom

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

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

Is blue blossom toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is blue blossom toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blue blossom 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. Ceanothus species are not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, but the genus contains ceanothine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities of plant material are ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure; the risk of serious harm is considered low.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats blue blossom?

Ceanothus species are not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, but the genus contains ceanothine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities of plant material are ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure; the risk of serious harm is considered low. 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 blue blossom.

What should I do if my cat ate blue blossom?

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 blue blossom toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Blue blossom is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full blue blossom pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to blue blossom?

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 blue blossom pet-safety