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Pet safety

Is Larkspur toxic to cats?

Consolida ajacis

Toxic to cats

Yes — larkspur 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. All parts of Consolida ajacis (larkspur) are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and livestock. The plant contains norditerpenoid alkaloids including delphinine, which cause neuromuscular blockade, cardiac arrhythmias, and death in large doses. The ASPCA lists Delphinium/Consolida genera as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children; wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your cat ate larkspur

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

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

Is larkspur toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes — larkspur is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Consolida ajacis (larkspur) are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and livestock. The plant contains norditerpenoid alkaloids including delphinine, which cause neuromuscular blockade, cardiac arrhythmias, and death in large doses. The ASPCA lists Delphinium/Consolida genera as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children; wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats larkspur?

All parts of Consolida ajacis (larkspur) are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and livestock. The plant contains norditerpenoid alkaloids including delphinine, which cause neuromuscular blockade, cardiac arrhythmias, and death in large doses. The ASPCA lists Delphinium/Consolida genera as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children; wear gloves when handling. 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 larkspur.

What should I do if my cat ate larkspur?

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 larkspur toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Larkspur is toxic to dogs as well. See the full larkspur pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to larkspur?

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 larkspur pet-safety