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Is Hosta 'First Frost' toxic to cats?

Hosta 'First Frost'

Toxic to cats

Yes — hosta 'first frost' 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. The ASPCA lists Hosta (plantain lily) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins, and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. Hostas do not foam into soap in the stomach despite the common myth, but they do cause genuine gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets away from the foliage.

What to do if your cat ate hosta 'first frost'

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

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

Is hosta 'first frost' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hosta 'first frost' toxic to cats?

Yes — hosta 'first frost' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Hosta (plantain lily) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins, and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. Hostas do not foam into soap in the stomach despite the common myth, but they do cause genuine gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets away from the foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hosta 'first frost'?

The ASPCA lists Hosta (plantain lily) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins, and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. Hostas do not foam into soap in the stomach despite the common myth, but they do cause genuine gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets away from the foliage. 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 'first frost'.

What should I do if my cat ate hosta 'first frost'?

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 'first frost' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hosta 'First Frost' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hosta 'first frost' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hosta 'first frost'?

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 'first frost' pet-safety