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Is Love-lies-bleeding toxic to cats?

Amaranthus caudatus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists love-lies-bleeding 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. Amaranthus caudatus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental species A. caudatus contains oxalates and nitrates at levels that may cause problems with large ingestion, particularly in livestock. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic, discourage pets from eating it, and contact a vet if significant ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate love-lies-bleeding

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

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

Is love-lies-bleeding toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is love-lies-bleeding toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists love-lies-bleeding 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. Amaranthus caudatus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental species A. caudatus contains oxalates and nitrates at levels that may cause problems with large ingestion, particularly in livestock. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic, discourage pets from eating it, and contact a vet if significant ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats love-lies-bleeding?

Amaranthus caudatus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental species A. caudatus contains oxalates and nitrates at levels that may cause problems with large ingestion, particularly in livestock. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic, discourage pets from eating it, and contact a vet if significant 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 love-lies-bleeding.

What should I do if my cat ate love-lies-bleeding?

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-lies-bleeding toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to love-lies-bleeding?

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-lies-bleeding pet-safety