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Is Creeping Comfrey toxic to cats?

Symphytum grandiflorum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping comfrey 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. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) characteristic of the Symphytum genus, which are hepatotoxic if consumed in significant quantities by people, dogs, cats, or horses. ASPCA does not specifically list Symphytum grandiflorum, but the PA content across all comfreys warrants caution. Avoid ingestion; wear gloves when handling large quantities as the bristly leaves may irritate skin.

What to do if your cat ate creeping comfrey

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

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

Is creeping comfrey toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is creeping comfrey toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping comfrey 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. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) characteristic of the Symphytum genus, which are hepatotoxic if consumed in significant quantities by people, dogs, cats, or horses. ASPCA does not specifically list Symphytum grandiflorum, but the PA content across all comfreys warrants caution. Avoid ingestion; wear gloves when handling large quantities as the bristly leaves may irritate skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats creeping comfrey?

Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) characteristic of the Symphytum genus, which are hepatotoxic if consumed in significant quantities by people, dogs, cats, or horses. ASPCA does not specifically list Symphytum grandiflorum, but the PA content across all comfreys warrants caution. Avoid ingestion; wear gloves when handling large quantities as the bristly leaves may irritate skin. 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 comfrey.

What should I do if my cat ate creeping comfrey?

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 comfrey toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to creeping comfrey?

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 comfrey pet-safety