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Is Common Foxglove toxic to cats?

Digitalis purpurea

Toxic to cats

Yes — common foxglove 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (digitoxin, digoxin and related compounds) present in all parts; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, weakness, collapse and death. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

What to do if your cat ate common foxglove

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

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

Is common foxglove toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common foxglove toxic to cats?

Yes — common foxglove is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (digitoxin, digoxin and related compounds) present in all parts; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, weakness, collapse and death. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common foxglove?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (digitoxin, digoxin and related compounds) present in all parts; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, weakness, collapse and death. Treat any ingestion as an emergency. 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 common foxglove.

What should I do if my cat ate common foxglove?

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 common foxglove toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common foxglove?

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 common foxglove pet-safety