Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Purple Milkweed toxic to cats?

Asclepias purpurascens

Toxic to cats

Yes — purple milkweed 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. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Ingestion may cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death.

What to do if your cat ate purple milkweed

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

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

Is purple milkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is purple milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes — purple milkweed is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Ingestion may cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats purple milkweed?

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Ingestion may cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death. 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 purple milkweed.

What should I do if my cat ate purple milkweed?

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 purple milkweed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple Milkweed is toxic to dogs as well. See the full purple milkweed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to purple milkweed?

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 purple milkweed pet-safety