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Is Love-in-a-mist toxic to cats?

Nigella damascena

Toxic to cats

Yes — love-in-a-mist 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. Nigella damascena seeds contain potentially toxic alkaloids including damascenine and isoquinoline derivatives. The seeds are the most concentrated part of the plant. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset, and in larger quantities, more serious effects. Not individually ASPCA-listed, but the toxicological literature warrants treating this plant as toxic, especially the seeds. Keep away from pets and children. Note: Nigella sativa (black seed/kalonji) is a separate culinary species — N. damascena is the ornamental garden form and should not be consumed.

What to do if your cat ate love-in-a-mist

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move love-in-a-mist 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 love-in-a-mist to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is love-in-a-mist toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is love-in-a-mist toxic to cats?

Yes — love-in-a-mist is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Nigella damascena seeds contain potentially toxic alkaloids including damascenine and isoquinoline derivatives. The seeds are the most concentrated part of the plant. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset, and in larger quantities, more serious effects. Not individually ASPCA-listed, but the toxicological literature warrants treating this plant as toxic, especially the seeds. Keep away from pets and children. Note: Nigella sativa (black seed/kalonji) is a separate culinary species — N. damascena is the ornamental garden form and should not be consumed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats love-in-a-mist?

Nigella damascena seeds contain potentially toxic alkaloids including damascenine and isoquinoline derivatives. The seeds are the most concentrated part of the plant. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset, and in larger quantities, more serious effects. Not individually ASPCA-listed, but the toxicological literature warrants treating this plant as toxic, especially the seeds. Keep away from pets and children. Note: Nigella sativa (black seed/kalonji) is a separate culinary species — N. damascena is the ornamental garden form and should not be consumed. 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 love-in-a-mist.

What should I do if my cat ate love-in-a-mist?

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 love-in-a-mist toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Love-in-a-mist is toxic to dogs as well. See the full love-in-a-mist pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to love-in-a-mist?

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 love-in-a-mist pet-safety