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Is Dahlia toxic to cats?

Dahlia merckii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dahlia 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. ASPCA lists Dahlia species as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause mild GI upset including vomiting and diarrhoea. Foliage contact can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Not considered life-threatening.

What to do if your cat ate dahlia

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

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

Is dahlia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dahlia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dahlia 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. ASPCA lists Dahlia species as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause mild GI upset including vomiting and diarrhoea. Foliage contact can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Not considered life-threatening.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dahlia?

ASPCA lists Dahlia species as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause mild GI upset including vomiting and diarrhoea. Foliage contact can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Not considered life-threatening. 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 dahlia.

What should I do if my cat ate dahlia?

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 dahlia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to dahlia?

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 dahlia pet-safety