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Is Common hollyhock toxic to cats?

Alcea rosea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common hollyhock 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. Alcea rosea (hollyhock) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists for cats and dogs. However, members of the Malvaceae family contain mucilaginous compounds and low levels of tannins. In dogs and cats ingestion of leaves or stems may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, loose stools). It is not considered severely toxic, but contact dermatitis from leaf hairs has been reported in sensitive individuals. Treat with caution around pets.

What to do if your cat ate common hollyhock

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

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

Is common hollyhock toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common hollyhock toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common hollyhock 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. Alcea rosea (hollyhock) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists for cats and dogs. However, members of the Malvaceae family contain mucilaginous compounds and low levels of tannins. In dogs and cats ingestion of leaves or stems may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, loose stools). It is not considered severely toxic, but contact dermatitis from leaf hairs has been reported in sensitive individuals. Treat with caution around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common hollyhock?

Alcea rosea (hollyhock) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists for cats and dogs. However, members of the Malvaceae family contain mucilaginous compounds and low levels of tannins. In dogs and cats ingestion of leaves or stems may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, loose stools). It is not considered severely toxic, but contact dermatitis from leaf hairs has been reported in sensitive individuals. Treat with caution around pets. 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 hollyhock.

What should I do if my cat ate common hollyhock?

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 hollyhock toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common hollyhock?

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 hollyhock pet-safety