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Is Lesser Burdock toxic to cats?

Arctium minus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lesser burdock 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. Arctium minus is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA database, and veterinary sources generally regard burdock as non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, the hooked seed burrs are a significant physical hazard: they become deeply entangled in fur, ears, and paws, causing pain, skin abrasions, and potential eye injuries or respiratory irritation from the fine pappus bristles inside the burr. Ingestion of burrs can also cause oral irritation and gut impaction. For these physical reasons the plant warrants caution around pets.

What to do if your cat ate lesser burdock

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

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

Is lesser burdock toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lesser burdock toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lesser burdock 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. Arctium minus is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA database, and veterinary sources generally regard burdock as non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, the hooked seed burrs are a significant physical hazard: they become deeply entangled in fur, ears, and paws, causing pain, skin abrasions, and potential eye injuries or respiratory irritation from the fine pappus bristles inside the burr. Ingestion of burrs can also cause oral irritation and gut impaction. For these physical reasons the plant warrants caution around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lesser burdock?

Arctium minus is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA database, and veterinary sources generally regard burdock as non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, the hooked seed burrs are a significant physical hazard: they become deeply entangled in fur, ears, and paws, causing pain, skin abrasions, and potential eye injuries or respiratory irritation from the fine pappus bristles inside the burr. Ingestion of burrs can also cause oral irritation and gut impaction. For these physical reasons the plant warrants caution around 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 lesser burdock.

What should I do if my cat ate lesser burdock?

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 lesser burdock toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lesser Burdock is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lesser burdock pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lesser burdock?

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 lesser burdock pet-safety