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Pet safety

Is Flowering tobacco toxic to cats?

Nicotiana alata

Toxic to cats

Yes — flowering tobacco 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. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses according to the ASPCA (genus Nicotiana). Toxic principle: nicotine alkaloid. Clinical signs include hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, and potentially death. All parts of the plant, especially leaves, are hazardous. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate flowering tobacco

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

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

Is flowering tobacco toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is flowering tobacco toxic to cats?

Yes — flowering tobacco is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses according to the ASPCA (genus Nicotiana). Toxic principle: nicotine alkaloid. Clinical signs include hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, and potentially death. All parts of the plant, especially leaves, are hazardous. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats flowering tobacco?

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses according to the ASPCA (genus Nicotiana). Toxic principle: nicotine alkaloid. Clinical signs include hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, and potentially death. All parts of the plant, especially leaves, are hazardous. Keep out of reach of pets and children. 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 flowering tobacco.

What should I do if my cat ate flowering tobacco?

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 flowering tobacco toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to flowering tobacco?

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 flowering tobacco pet-safety