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Pet safety

Is Boneset toxic to cats?

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — boneset is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Boneset is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but laboratory analyses confirm it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, intermedine and derivatives) in all parts. Because these alkaloids can cause cumulative liver damage, it should be treated as toxic and kept away from cats, dogs and livestock; signs of plant ingestion include vomiting, lethargy and gastrointestinal upset. Verify any concern with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate boneset

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

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

Is boneset toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is boneset toxic to cats?

Yes — boneset is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Boneset is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but laboratory analyses confirm it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, intermedine and derivatives) in all parts. Because these alkaloids can cause cumulative liver damage, it should be treated as toxic and kept away from cats, dogs and livestock; signs of plant ingestion include vomiting, lethargy and gastrointestinal upset. Verify any concern with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats boneset?

Boneset is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but laboratory analyses confirm it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, intermedine and derivatives) in all parts. Because these alkaloids can cause cumulative liver damage, it should be treated as toxic and kept away from cats, dogs and livestock; signs of plant ingestion include vomiting, lethargy and gastrointestinal upset. Verify any concern with a vet. 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 boneset.

What should I do if my cat ate boneset?

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 boneset toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to boneset?

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 boneset pet-safety