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Pet safety

Is Scarlet bugler toxic to cats?

Penstemon barbatus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet bugler 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 barbatus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Penstemon species are not documented as severely toxic, but as with other members of the Plantaginaceae family, mild gastrointestinal irritation is possible if plant parts are ingested. Treat with caution around pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate scarlet bugler

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

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

Is scarlet bugler toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is scarlet bugler toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet bugler 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 barbatus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Penstemon species are not documented as severely toxic, but as with other members of the Plantaginaceae family, mild gastrointestinal irritation is possible if plant parts are ingested. Treat with caution around pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats scarlet bugler?

Penstemon barbatus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Penstemon species are not documented as severely toxic, but as with other members of the Plantaginaceae family, mild gastrointestinal irritation is possible if plant parts are ingested. Treat with caution around pets and children. 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 scarlet bugler.

What should I do if my cat ate scarlet bugler?

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 scarlet bugler toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Scarlet bugler is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full scarlet bugler pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to scarlet bugler?

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 scarlet bugler pet-safety