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Pet safety

Is Mouse-ear Hawkweed toxic to cats?

Pilosella officinarum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mouse-ear hawkweed 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. Pilosella officinarum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs. As the toxicological status for companion animals is unconfirmed, a mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate mouse-ear hawkweed

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

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

Is mouse-ear hawkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mouse-ear hawkweed toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mouse-ear hawkweed 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. Pilosella officinarum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs. As the toxicological status for companion animals is unconfirmed, a mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mouse-ear hawkweed?

Pilosella officinarum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs. As the toxicological status for companion animals is unconfirmed, a mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs. 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 mouse-ear hawkweed.

What should I do if my cat ate mouse-ear hawkweed?

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 mouse-ear hawkweed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mouse-ear Hawkweed is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full mouse-ear hawkweed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to mouse-ear hawkweed?

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 mouse-ear hawkweed pet-safety