Is Poplar-Leaved Rock Rose toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists poplar-leaved rock rose 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. Cistus populifolius is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database; no specific toxic compound has been confirmed for this species in veterinary literature. As explicit non-toxic confirmation is absent, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied; seek veterinary advice if pets consume the foliage.

Cistus populifolius is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database; no specific toxic compound has been confirmed for this species in veterinary literature. As explicit non-toxic confirmation is absent, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied; seek veterinary advice if pets consume 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 poplar-leaved rock rose.

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: Poplar-Leaved Rock Rose is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full poplar-leaved rock rose 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.