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Is Common tobacco toxic to cats?

Nicotiana tabacum

Toxic to cats

Yes — common tobacco 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. Severely toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA genus Nicotiana). Toxic principles include nicotine and anabasine alkaloids. Clinical signs: hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, respiratory distress, paralysis, and death is possible. The toxic dose for pets is as low as 0.5 mg/kg body weight. All plant parts — especially fresh leaves — are hazardous. Not safe for any pets or children.

What to do if your cat ate common tobacco

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

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

Is common tobacco toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common tobacco toxic to cats?

Yes — common tobacco is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Severely toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA genus Nicotiana). Toxic principles include nicotine and anabasine alkaloids. Clinical signs: hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, respiratory distress, paralysis, and death is possible. The toxic dose for pets is as low as 0.5 mg/kg body weight. All plant parts — especially fresh leaves — are hazardous. Not safe for any pets or children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common tobacco?

Severely toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA genus Nicotiana). Toxic principles include nicotine and anabasine alkaloids. Clinical signs: hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, respiratory distress, paralysis, and death is possible. The toxic dose for pets is as low as 0.5 mg/kg body weight. All plant parts — especially fresh leaves — are hazardous. Not safe for any pets or children. 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 tobacco.

What should I do if my cat ate common tobacco?

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 tobacco toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common tobacco?

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 tobacco pet-safety