Is Brunnera macrophylla toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists brunnera macrophylla 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. Brunnera macrophylla is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed. As a borage-family (Boraginaceae) plant it can contain low levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests it; do not assume it is pet-safe.

Brunnera macrophylla is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed. As a borage-family (Boraginaceae) plant it can contain low levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests it; do not assume it is pet-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 brunnera macrophylla.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

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

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.