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Is Rusty Foxglove toxic to cats?

Digitalis ferruginea

Toxic to cats

Yes — rusty foxglove 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 dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA classifies foxglove (Digitalis) as toxic; all parts contain cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Signs of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, irregular heart rate and rhythm, collapse and potentially death. Keep pets away and seek veterinary care immediately if any is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate rusty foxglove

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

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

Is rusty foxglove toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rusty foxglove toxic to cats?

Yes — rusty foxglove is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA classifies foxglove (Digitalis) as toxic; all parts contain cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Signs of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, irregular heart rate and rhythm, collapse and potentially death. Keep pets away and seek veterinary care immediately if any is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rusty foxglove?

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA classifies foxglove (Digitalis) as toxic; all parts contain cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Signs of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, irregular heart rate and rhythm, collapse and potentially death. Keep pets away and seek veterinary care immediately if any is eaten. 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 rusty foxglove.

What should I do if my cat ate rusty foxglove?

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 rusty foxglove toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rusty Foxglove is toxic to dogs as well. See the full rusty foxglove pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to rusty foxglove?

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 rusty foxglove pet-safety