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Pet safety

Is Comfrey toxic to cats?

Symphytum officinale

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat as pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate comfrey

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

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

Is comfrey toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is comfrey toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat as pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats comfrey?

Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat as 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 comfrey.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 comfrey toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 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 comfrey pet-safety