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Is Kelsey's Phlox toxic to cats?

Phlox kelseyi

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists kelsey's phlox as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Phlox kelseyi is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. While Phlox subulata is ASPCA-confirmed non-toxic, extrapolating that across all Phlox species cannot be done with certainty. Classified as mildly-toxic on a precautionary basis until a species-specific listing is confirmed.

What to do if your cat ate kelsey's phlox

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

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

Is kelsey's phlox toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is kelsey's phlox toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists kelsey's phlox as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Phlox kelseyi is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. While Phlox subulata is ASPCA-confirmed non-toxic, extrapolating that across all Phlox species cannot be done with certainty. Classified as mildly-toxic on a precautionary basis until a species-specific listing is confirmed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats kelsey's phlox?

Phlox kelseyi is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. While Phlox subulata is ASPCA-confirmed non-toxic, extrapolating that across all Phlox species cannot be done with certainty. Classified as mildly-toxic on a precautionary basis until a species-specific listing is confirmed. 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 kelsey's phlox.

What should I do if my cat ate kelsey's phlox?

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 kelsey's phlox toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Kelsey's Phlox is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full kelsey's phlox pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to kelsey's phlox?

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 kelsey's phlox pet-safety