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Is Red Hot Poker toxic to cats?

Kniphofia uvaria

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red hot poker 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. Kniphofia uvaria is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus Kniphofia contains compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if significant quantities of plant material are ingested by dogs or cats. The conservative verdict is mildly-toxic.

What to do if your cat ate red hot poker

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

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

Is red hot poker toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red hot poker toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red hot poker 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. Kniphofia uvaria is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus Kniphofia contains compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if significant quantities of plant material are ingested by dogs or cats. The conservative verdict is mildly-toxic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red hot poker?

Kniphofia uvaria is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus Kniphofia contains compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if significant quantities of plant material are ingested by dogs or cats. The conservative verdict is mildly-toxic. 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 red hot poker.

What should I do if my cat ate red hot poker?

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 red hot poker toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red Hot Poker is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full red hot poker pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to red hot poker?

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 red hot poker pet-safety