Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Sea Holly toxic to cats?

Eryngium planum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sea holly 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. Eryngium is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not known to be seriously poisonous, and its very spiny foliage and flower heads act as a strong physical deterrent to nibbling pets.

What to do if your cat ate sea holly

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

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

Is sea holly toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sea holly toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sea holly 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. Eryngium is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not known to be seriously poisonous, and its very spiny foliage and flower heads act as a strong physical deterrent to nibbling pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sea holly?

Eryngium is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not known to be seriously poisonous, and its very spiny foliage and flower heads act as a strong physical deterrent to nibbling pets. 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 sea holly.

What should I do if my cat ate sea holly?

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 sea holly toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sea Holly is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full sea holly pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to sea holly?

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 sea holly pet-safety