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Pet safety

Is Forking larkspur toxic to cats?

Consolida regalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — forking larkspur 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. Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate forking larkspur

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

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

Is forking larkspur toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is forking larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes — forking larkspur is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats forking larkspur?

Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all 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 forking larkspur.

What should I do if my cat ate forking larkspur?

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 forking larkspur toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to forking larkspur?

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 forking larkspur pet-safety