Is Curly-Leaved Rock Rose toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists curly-leaved rock rose 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. Cistus crispus is not listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxic principles are documented in horticulture or veterinary literature for this species. Classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution because the genus has not received a formal ASPCA clearance; the sticky leaf resin may cause mild dermal irritation.

Cistus crispus is not listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxic principles are documented in horticulture or veterinary literature for this species. Classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution because the genus has not received a formal ASPCA clearance; the sticky leaf resin may cause mild dermal irritation. 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 curly-leaved rock rose.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Curly-Leaved Rock Rose is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full curly-leaved rock rose pet-safety guide for both species.

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.