Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Crested Gentian toxic to cats?

Gentiana septemfida

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists crested gentian 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. Gentiana septemfida is not individually listed by ASPCA. Gentianaceae family members contain bitter iridoid glycosides including gentiopicrin, which may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. Not reported to cause severe toxicity, but treat as mildly toxic as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate crested gentian

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

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

Is crested gentian toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is crested gentian toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists crested gentian 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. Gentiana septemfida is not individually listed by ASPCA. Gentianaceae family members contain bitter iridoid glycosides including gentiopicrin, which may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. Not reported to cause severe toxicity, but treat as mildly toxic as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats crested gentian?

Gentiana septemfida is not individually listed by ASPCA. Gentianaceae family members contain bitter iridoid glycosides including gentiopicrin, which may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. Not reported to cause severe toxicity, but treat as mildly toxic as a precaution. 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 crested gentian.

What should I do if my cat ate crested gentian?

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 crested gentian toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Crested Gentian is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full crested gentian pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to crested gentian?

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 crested gentian pet-safety