Is Hosta 'Night Before Christmas' toxic to cats?

Yes — hosta 'night before christmas' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hosta plants contain saponins and are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion of leaves, flowers, or roots can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. All parts should be kept inaccessible to pets.

Hosta plants contain saponins and are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion of leaves, flowers, or roots can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. All parts should be kept inaccessible to pets. 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 'night before christmas'.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hosta 'Night Before Christmas' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hosta 'night before christmas' pet-safety guide for both species.

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.