Is Narrowleaf gazania toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists narrowleaf gazania 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. Gazania linearis, like other Gazania species, is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Asteraceae family can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and contact dermatitis in some pets and people. This species is classified as mildly toxic out of caution, as it has not been individually cleared as non-toxic by ASPCA.

Gazania linearis, like other Gazania species, is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Asteraceae family can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and contact dermatitis in some pets and people. This species is classified as mildly toxic out of caution, as it has not been individually cleared as non-toxic by ASPCA. 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 narrowleaf gazania.

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: Narrowleaf gazania is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full narrowleaf gazania 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.