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Is Hosta 'Big Daddy' toxic to cats?

Hosta 'Big Daddy'

Toxic to cats

Yes — hosta 'big daddy' 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. Hosta is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Saponins in all plant parts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in pets. Despite its slug-resistant leaves, the plant remains fully toxic to animals.

What to do if your cat ate hosta 'big daddy'

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

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

Is hosta 'big daddy' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hosta 'big daddy' toxic to cats?

Yes — hosta 'big daddy' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hosta is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Saponins in all plant parts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in pets. Despite its slug-resistant leaves, the plant remains fully toxic to animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hosta 'big daddy'?

Hosta is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Saponins in all plant parts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in pets. Despite its slug-resistant leaves, the plant remains fully toxic to animals. 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 hosta 'big daddy'.

What should I do if my cat ate hosta 'big daddy'?

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 hosta 'big daddy' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hosta 'Big Daddy' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hosta 'big daddy' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hosta 'big daddy'?

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 hosta 'big daddy' pet-safety