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Is Downy Phlox toxic to cats?

Phlox pilosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists downy phlox 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. Phlox pilosa is not individually listed by ASPCA, but as a Phlox species it may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic. The hairy foliage may also cause mild skin irritation on contact in sensitive individuals. Discourage pets from eating the plant as a general precaution.

What to do if your cat ate downy phlox

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

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

Is downy phlox toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is downy phlox toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists downy phlox 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. Phlox pilosa is not individually listed by ASPCA, but as a Phlox species it may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic. The hairy foliage may also cause mild skin irritation on contact in sensitive individuals. Discourage pets from eating the plant as a general precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats downy phlox?

Phlox pilosa is not individually listed by ASPCA, but as a Phlox species it may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic. The hairy foliage may also cause mild skin irritation on contact in sensitive individuals. Discourage pets from eating the plant as a general 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 downy phlox.

What should I do if my cat ate downy phlox?

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 downy phlox toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to downy phlox?

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 downy phlox pet-safety