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Is Lungwort toxic to cats?

Pulmonaria officinalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lungwort 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. Pulmonaria officinalis is not formally listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. However, the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (hepatotoxic in quantity) and saponins — both classes flagged as harmful to cats and dogs by animal poison control authorities. The coarse trichomes on leaves also cause contact irritation. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate lungwort

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

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

Is lungwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lungwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lungwort 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. Pulmonaria officinalis is not formally listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. However, the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (hepatotoxic in quantity) and saponins — both classes flagged as harmful to cats and dogs by animal poison control authorities. The coarse trichomes on leaves also cause contact irritation. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lungwort?

Pulmonaria officinalis is not formally listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. However, the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (hepatotoxic in quantity) and saponins — both classes flagged as harmful to cats and dogs by animal poison control authorities. The coarse trichomes on leaves also cause contact irritation. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; consult a vet 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 lungwort.

What should I do if my cat ate lungwort?

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 lungwort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lungwort?

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 lungwort pet-safety