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Is New Zealand Gentian toxic to cats?

Gentiana saxosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists new zealand gentian 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. Gentiana saxosa is not listed individually in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. As with other gentians, the presence of bitter iridoid compounds means ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution; consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate new zealand gentian

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

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

Is new zealand gentian toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is new zealand gentian toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists new zealand gentian 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. Gentiana saxosa is not listed individually in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. As with other gentians, the presence of bitter iridoid compounds means ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution; consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats new zealand gentian?

Gentiana saxosa is not listed individually in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. As with other gentians, the presence of bitter iridoid compounds means ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution; consult a veterinarian 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 new zealand gentian.

What should I do if my cat ate new zealand gentian?

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 zealand gentian toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: New Zealand Gentian is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full new zealand gentian pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to new zealand gentian?

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 zealand gentian pet-safety