Is Devil's-bit Scabious toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists devil's-bit scabious 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. Succisa pratensis is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No confirmed cases of toxicity to cats or dogs are documented in the veterinary literature; rated mildly-toxic as a precautionary classification given the lack of formal ASPCA evaluation.

Succisa pratensis is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No confirmed cases of toxicity to cats or dogs are documented in the veterinary literature; rated mildly-toxic as a precautionary classification given the lack of formal ASPCA evaluation. 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 devil's-bit scabious.

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: Devil's-bit Scabious is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full devil's-bit scabious 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.