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Is Strawberry Foxglove toxic to cats?

Digitalis × mertonensis

Toxic to cats

Yes — strawberry 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. As a Digitalis hybrid it shares the genus toxicity; the ASPCA lists foxglove as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain cardiac glycosides (digitoxin/digoxin-type) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, weakness, collapse and death. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

What to do if your cat ate strawberry foxglove

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

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

Is strawberry foxglove toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is strawberry foxglove toxic to cats?

Yes — strawberry foxglove is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Digitalis hybrid it shares the genus toxicity; the ASPCA lists foxglove as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain cardiac glycosides (digitoxin/digoxin-type) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, weakness, collapse and death. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats strawberry foxglove?

As a Digitalis hybrid it shares the genus toxicity; the ASPCA lists foxglove as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain cardiac glycosides (digitoxin/digoxin-type) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, weakness, collapse and death. Treat any ingestion as an emergency. 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 strawberry foxglove.

What should I do if my cat ate strawberry 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 strawberry foxglove toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to strawberry 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 strawberry foxglove pet-safety