Is Sanguisorba obtusa toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sanguisorba obtusa 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. Sanguisorba obtusa is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Its close relative salad burnet (Poterium sanguisorba, Rosaceae) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and the genus carries no recognised toxic principle, but because this exact species is unlisted, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.

Sanguisorba obtusa is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Its close relative salad burnet (Poterium sanguisorba, Rosaceae) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and the genus carries no recognised toxic principle, but because this exact species is unlisted, 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 sanguisorba obtusa.

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: Sanguisorba obtusa is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full sanguisorba obtusa 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.