Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Spilanthes toxic to cats?

Acmella oleracea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spilanthes 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. Acmella oleracea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. Its leaves and buds contain spilanthol, which causes pronounced numbing, tingling, and drooling when chewed; treat with caution, discourage pets from eating it, and verify with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate spilanthes

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

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

Is spilanthes toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spilanthes toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spilanthes 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. Acmella oleracea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. Its leaves and buds contain spilanthol, which causes pronounced numbing, tingling, and drooling when chewed; treat with caution, discourage pets from eating it, and verify with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spilanthes?

Acmella oleracea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. Its leaves and buds contain spilanthol, which causes pronounced numbing, tingling, and drooling when chewed; treat with caution, discourage pets from eating it, and verify with a vet. 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 spilanthes.

What should I do if my cat ate spilanthes?

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 spilanthes toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spilanthes?

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 spilanthes pet-safety