Is Common Toadflax toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common toadflax 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. Linaria vulgaris contains glucosides including antirrinoside and linarin. It is documented as mildly toxic to livestock — the toxic glucoside can cause symptoms including rapid breathing, cyanosis, and staggering gait in animals consuming large quantities, though it is unpalatable and poisoning is rarely reported. Not specifically listed on the ASPCA database; classified as mildly-toxic given the documented glucoside content and known livestock toxicity risk.

Linaria vulgaris contains glucosides including antirrinoside and linarin. It is documented as mildly toxic to livestock — the toxic glucoside can cause symptoms including rapid breathing, cyanosis, and staggering gait in animals consuming large quantities, though it is unpalatable and poisoning is rarely reported. Not specifically listed on the ASPCA database; classified as mildly-toxic given the documented glucoside content and known livestock toxicity risk. 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 toadflax.

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.

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

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.