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Is Hosta 'Midnight Rider' toxic to cats?

Hosta 'Midnight Rider'

Toxic to cats

Yes — hosta 'midnight rider' 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 contains saponins throughout the plant, which the ASPCA classifies as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of any plant part may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression; seek veterinary advice if a pet has consumed the plant.

What to do if your cat ate hosta 'midnight rider'

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

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

Is hosta 'midnight rider' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hosta 'midnight rider' toxic to cats?

Yes — hosta 'midnight rider' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hosta contains saponins throughout the plant, which the ASPCA classifies as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of any plant part may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression; seek veterinary advice if a pet has consumed the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hosta 'midnight rider'?

Hosta contains saponins throughout the plant, which the ASPCA classifies as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of any plant part may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression; seek veterinary advice if a pet has consumed the plant. 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 'midnight rider'.

What should I do if my cat ate hosta 'midnight rider'?

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 'midnight rider' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hosta 'Midnight Rider' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hosta 'midnight rider' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hosta 'midnight rider'?

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 'midnight rider' pet-safety