Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Hosta 'Color Festival' toxic to cats?

Hosta 'Color Festival'

Toxic to cats

Yes — hosta 'color festival' 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 present in all parts of the plant cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and general gastric upset when ingested. All hosta cultivars share this toxicity.

What to do if your cat ate hosta 'color festival'

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

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

Is hosta 'color festival' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hosta 'color festival' toxic to cats?

Yes — hosta 'color festival' 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 present in all parts of the plant cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and general gastric upset when ingested. All hosta cultivars share this toxicity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hosta 'color festival'?

Hosta is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Saponins present in all parts of the plant cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and general gastric upset when ingested. All hosta cultivars share this toxicity. 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 'color festival'.

What should I do if my cat ate hosta 'color festival'?

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 'color festival' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hosta 'Color Festival' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hosta 'color festival' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hosta 'color festival'?

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 'color festival' pet-safety