Is Penstemon 'Raven' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists penstemon 'raven' 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. Penstemon is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe. Penstemons can accumulate selenium, so discourage pets from grazing it.

Penstemon is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe. Penstemons can accumulate selenium, so discourage pets from grazing it. 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 penstemon 'raven'.

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: Penstemon 'Raven' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full penstemon 'raven' 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.