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Pet safety

Is Hairy Beardtongue toxic to cats?

Penstemon hirsutus

Non-toxic to cats

No — hairy beardtongue is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Penstemon is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. The genus belongs to Plantaginaceae and has no known toxic principles reported in veterinary literature. Considered safe around pets and children, though ingestion of any plant material in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Is hairy beardtongue toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hairy beardtongue toxic to cats?

No — hairy beardtongue is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Penstemon is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. The genus belongs to Plantaginaceae and has no known toxic principles reported in veterinary literature. Considered safe around pets and children, though ingestion of any plant material in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Is hairy beardtongue safe for cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists hairy beardtongue as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

Is hairy beardtongue toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hairy Beardtongue is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full hairy beardtongue pet-safety guide for both species.

What other plants are safe for cats?

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.

Full hairy beardtongue pet-safety