Is Missouri Coneflower toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists missouri coneflower 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. Rudbeckia missouriensis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats, dogs, or horses. As with other Rudbeckias, sesquiterpene lactones in leaves and stems may cause contact dermatitis or mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. The safety status for companion animals cannot be confirmed; consult a vet if a pet ingests significant amounts.

Rudbeckia missouriensis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats, dogs, or horses. As with other Rudbeckias, sesquiterpene lactones in leaves and stems may cause contact dermatitis or mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. The safety status for companion animals cannot be confirmed; consult a vet if a pet ingests significant amounts. 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 missouri coneflower.

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.

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

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.