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Is Goat's-beard toxic to cats?

Tragopogon pratensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists goat's-beard 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. Tragopogon pratensis is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The milky latex in the stems may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly toxic out of caution; seek veterinary advice if a pet consumes large amounts.

What to do if your cat ate goat's-beard

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

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

Is goat's-beard toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is goat's-beard toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists goat's-beard 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. Tragopogon pratensis is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The milky latex in the stems may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly toxic out of caution; seek veterinary advice if a pet consumes large amounts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats goat's-beard?

Tragopogon pratensis is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The milky latex in the stems may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly toxic out of caution; seek veterinary advice if a pet consumes large amounts. 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 goat's-beard.

What should I do if my cat ate goat's-beard?

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 goat's-beard toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Goat's-beard is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full goat's-beard pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to goat's-beard?

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 goat's-beard pet-safety