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Is Drooping Star of Bethlehem toxic to cats?

Ornithogalum nutans

Toxic to cats

Yes — drooping star of bethlehem 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. The ASPCA lists Ornithogalum species as toxic to cats and dogs. The plants contain cardenolide cardiac glycosides that affect heart function. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, excess salivation, lethargy, and potentially cardiac arrhythmias in significant quantities; all parts are toxic.

What to do if your cat ate drooping star of bethlehem

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

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

Is drooping star of bethlehem toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is drooping star of bethlehem toxic to cats?

Yes — drooping star of bethlehem is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Ornithogalum species as toxic to cats and dogs. The plants contain cardenolide cardiac glycosides that affect heart function. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, excess salivation, lethargy, and potentially cardiac arrhythmias in significant quantities; all parts are toxic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats drooping star of bethlehem?

The ASPCA lists Ornithogalum species as toxic to cats and dogs. The plants contain cardenolide cardiac glycosides that affect heart function. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, excess salivation, lethargy, and potentially cardiac arrhythmias in significant quantities; all parts are toxic. 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 drooping star of bethlehem.

What should I do if my cat ate drooping star of bethlehem?

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 drooping star of bethlehem toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Drooping Star of Bethlehem is toxic to dogs as well. See the full drooping star of bethlehem pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to drooping star of bethlehem?

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 drooping star of bethlehem pet-safety