Is Rudbeckia maxima toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rudbeckia maxima 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. Rudbeckia maxima is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so an authoritative pet-safe label cannot be confirmed. As with other Rudbeckia, the plant contains sesquiterpene lactones and can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or contact irritation if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.

Rudbeckia maxima is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so an authoritative pet-safe label cannot be confirmed. As with other Rudbeckia, the plant contains sesquiterpene lactones and can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or contact irritation if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 rudbeckia maxima.

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: Rudbeckia maxima is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full rudbeckia maxima 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.