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Is New York Ironweed toxic to cats?

Vernonia noveboracensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists new york ironweed 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. Vernonia noveboracensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. Ironweeds are typically avoided by grazing animals and are not noted as seriously poisonous, but ingestion of unlisted plants can cause gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets from chewing the foliage.

What to do if your cat ate new york ironweed

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

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

Is new york ironweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is new york ironweed toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists new york ironweed 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. Vernonia noveboracensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. Ironweeds are typically avoided by grazing animals and are not noted as seriously poisonous, but ingestion of unlisted plants can cause gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets from chewing the foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats new york ironweed?

Vernonia noveboracensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. Ironweeds are typically avoided by grazing animals and are not noted as seriously poisonous, but ingestion of unlisted plants can cause gastrointestinal upset, so keep pets from chewing the foliage. 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 new york ironweed.

What should I do if my cat ate new york ironweed?

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 new york ironweed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: New York Ironweed is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full new york ironweed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to new york ironweed?

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 new york ironweed pet-safety