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Pet safety

Is Caucasian Comfrey toxic to cats?

Symphytum caucasicum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists caucasian comfrey 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. Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic if ingested in quantity. ASPCA does not individually list Symphytum caucasicum, but all Symphytum species are considered mildly to moderately toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to PA content. The rough, bristly leaves also cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Keep pets away and wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your cat ate caucasian comfrey

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

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

Is caucasian comfrey toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is caucasian comfrey toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists caucasian comfrey 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. Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic if ingested in quantity. ASPCA does not individually list Symphytum caucasicum, but all Symphytum species are considered mildly to moderately toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to PA content. The rough, bristly leaves also cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Keep pets away and wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats caucasian comfrey?

Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic if ingested in quantity. ASPCA does not individually list Symphytum caucasicum, but all Symphytum species are considered mildly to moderately toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to PA content. The rough, bristly leaves also cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Keep pets away and wear gloves when handling. 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 caucasian comfrey.

What should I do if my cat ate caucasian comfrey?

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 caucasian comfrey toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Caucasian Comfrey is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full caucasian comfrey pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to caucasian comfrey?

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 caucasian comfrey pet-safety