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Is Creeping Borage toxic to cats?

Borago pygmaea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping borage 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 on the ASPCA's database. Borago species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage if eaten in quantity, so it is treated as mildly toxic with caution. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it rather than assuming it is safe.

What to do if your cat ate creeping borage

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

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

Is creeping borage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is creeping borage toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping borage 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 on the ASPCA's database. Borago species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage if eaten in quantity, so it is treated as mildly toxic with caution. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it rather than assuming it is safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats creeping borage?

Not individually listed on the ASPCA's database. Borago species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage if eaten in quantity, so it is treated as mildly toxic with caution. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it rather than assuming it is 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 creeping borage.

What should I do if my cat ate creeping borage?

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 creeping borage toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to creeping borage?

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 creeping borage pet-safety