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Is Delphinium 'Black Knight' toxic to cats?

Delphinium elatum 'Black Knight'

Toxic to cats

Yes — delphinium 'black knight' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids; clinical signs include drooling, colic, constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness and convulsions, with possible cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis in large ingestions. Young growth and seeds are most potent.

What to do if your cat ate delphinium 'black knight'

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

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

Is delphinium 'black knight' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is delphinium 'black knight' toxic to cats?

Yes — delphinium 'black knight' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids; clinical signs include drooling, colic, constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness and convulsions, with possible cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis in large ingestions. Young growth and seeds are most potent.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats delphinium 'black knight'?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids; clinical signs include drooling, colic, constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness and convulsions, with possible cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis in large ingestions. Young growth and seeds are most potent. 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 delphinium 'black knight'.

What should I do if my cat ate delphinium 'black knight'?

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 delphinium 'black knight' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Delphinium 'Black Knight' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full delphinium 'black knight' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to delphinium 'black knight'?

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 delphinium 'black knight' pet-safety