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Is Creeping Woodland Phlox toxic to cats?

Phlox stolonifera

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping woodland phlox 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. Phlox stolonifera is not specifically listed by ASPCA, but as a Phlox species it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic, but consumption by pets should be discouraged. Sap may irritate sensitive skin.

What to do if your cat ate creeping woodland phlox

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

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

Is creeping woodland phlox toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is creeping woodland phlox toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping woodland phlox 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. Phlox stolonifera is not specifically listed by ASPCA, but as a Phlox species it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic, but consumption by pets should be discouraged. Sap may irritate sensitive skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats creeping woodland phlox?

Phlox stolonifera is not specifically listed by ASPCA, but as a Phlox species it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic, but consumption by pets should be discouraged. Sap may irritate sensitive 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 woodland phlox.

What should I do if my cat ate creeping woodland phlox?

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 woodland phlox toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to creeping woodland phlox?

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 woodland phlox pet-safety