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Is Pale-Spike Lobelia toxic to cats?

Lobelia spicata

Toxic to cats

Yes — pale-spike lobelia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists the Lobelia genus as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle is lobeline, a piperidine alkaloid found in all plant parts. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, depression, and in significant doses can produce cardiovascular effects including irregular heart rate.

What to do if your cat ate pale-spike lobelia

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

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

Is pale-spike lobelia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pale-spike lobelia toxic to cats?

Yes — pale-spike lobelia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists the Lobelia genus as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle is lobeline, a piperidine alkaloid found in all plant parts. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, depression, and in significant doses can produce cardiovascular effects including irregular heart rate.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pale-spike lobelia?

ASPCA lists the Lobelia genus as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle is lobeline, a piperidine alkaloid found in all plant parts. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, depression, and in significant doses can produce cardiovascular effects including irregular heart rate. 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 pale-spike lobelia.

What should I do if my cat ate pale-spike lobelia?

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 pale-spike lobelia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pale-Spike Lobelia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full pale-spike lobelia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to pale-spike lobelia?

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 pale-spike lobelia pet-safety