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Is Lobelia cardinalis toxic to cats?

Lobelia cardinalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — lobelia cardinalis 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. The ASPCA lists Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is lobeline, a nicotine-like pyridine alkaloid; clinical signs include depression, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and heart-rhythm disturbances. Keep pets from chewing it and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate lobelia cardinalis

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

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

Is lobelia cardinalis toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lobelia cardinalis toxic to cats?

Yes — lobelia cardinalis is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is lobeline, a nicotine-like pyridine alkaloid; clinical signs include depression, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and heart-rhythm disturbances. Keep pets from chewing it and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lobelia cardinalis?

The ASPCA lists Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is lobeline, a nicotine-like pyridine alkaloid; clinical signs include depression, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and heart-rhythm disturbances. Keep pets from chewing it and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingestion is suspected. 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 lobelia cardinalis.

What should I do if my cat ate lobelia cardinalis?

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 lobelia cardinalis toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lobelia cardinalis?

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 lobelia cardinalis pet-safety