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Pet safety

Is Goldenrod toxic to cats?

Solidago virgaurea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists goldenrod 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. Solidago virgaurea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Common Solidago species are widely regarded as non-toxic to dogs and cats, but the genus is not formally confirmed as pet-safe on the ASPCA database. Note that Rayless Goldenrod (Isocoma species, not Solidago) contains trematol and is toxic to horses — this is a separate genus. Apply mildly-toxic classification pending formal ASPCA listing.

What to do if your cat ate goldenrod

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

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

Is goldenrod toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is goldenrod toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists goldenrod 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. Solidago virgaurea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Common Solidago species are widely regarded as non-toxic to dogs and cats, but the genus is not formally confirmed as pet-safe on the ASPCA database. Note that Rayless Goldenrod (Isocoma species, not Solidago) contains trematol and is toxic to horses — this is a separate genus. Apply mildly-toxic classification pending formal ASPCA listing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats goldenrod?

Solidago virgaurea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Common Solidago species are widely regarded as non-toxic to dogs and cats, but the genus is not formally confirmed as pet-safe on the ASPCA database. Note that Rayless Goldenrod (Isocoma species, not Solidago) contains trematol and is toxic to horses — this is a separate genus. Apply mildly-toxic classification pending formal ASPCA listing. 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 goldenrod.

What should I do if my cat ate goldenrod?

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 goldenrod toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to goldenrod?

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 goldenrod pet-safety