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Pet safety

Is Butterfly Weed toxic to cats?

Asclepias tuberosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — butterfly weed 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. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Signs include vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty, weak pulse and, in severe cases, death.

What to do if your cat ate butterfly weed

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

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

Is butterfly weed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is butterfly weed toxic to cats?

Yes — butterfly weed is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Signs include vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty, weak pulse and, in severe cases, death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats butterfly weed?

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Signs include vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty, weak pulse and, in severe cases, death. 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 butterfly weed.

What should I do if my cat ate butterfly weed?

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 butterfly weed toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to butterfly weed?

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 butterfly weed pet-safety