Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Prairie Beardtongue toxic to cats?

Penstemon cobaea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prairie beardtongue 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. Penstemon species are not included on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list for cats or dogs, so their safety status is unconfirmed. Some sources note the potential for selenium accumulation in certain Penstemon species grown in selenium-rich soils, which can be harmful to pets. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution — consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

What to do if your cat ate prairie beardtongue

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

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

Is prairie beardtongue toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is prairie beardtongue toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prairie beardtongue 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 species are not included on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list for cats or dogs, so their safety status is unconfirmed. Some sources note the potential for selenium accumulation in certain Penstemon species grown in selenium-rich soils, which can be harmful to pets. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution — consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats prairie beardtongue?

Penstemon species are not included on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list for cats or dogs, so their safety status is unconfirmed. Some sources note the potential for selenium accumulation in certain Penstemon species grown in selenium-rich soils, which can be harmful to pets. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution — consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of the plant. 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 prairie beardtongue.

What should I do if my cat ate prairie beardtongue?

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 prairie beardtongue toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Prairie Beardtongue is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full prairie beardtongue pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to prairie beardtongue?

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 prairie beardtongue pet-safety