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Pet safety

Is Strawflower toxic to cats?

Helichrysum bracteatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists strawflower 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. Helichrysum bracteatum is not explicitly listed as toxic or non-toxic by ASPCA. Some Helichrysum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are hepatotoxic when ingested in quantity. Out of caution, treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets and children from ingesting plant material.

What to do if your cat ate strawflower

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

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

Is strawflower toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is strawflower toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists strawflower 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. Helichrysum bracteatum is not explicitly listed as toxic or non-toxic by ASPCA. Some Helichrysum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are hepatotoxic when ingested in quantity. Out of caution, treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets and children from ingesting plant material.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats strawflower?

Helichrysum bracteatum is not explicitly listed as toxic or non-toxic by ASPCA. Some Helichrysum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are hepatotoxic when ingested in quantity. Out of caution, treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets and children from ingesting plant material. 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 strawflower.

What should I do if my cat ate strawflower?

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 strawflower toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to strawflower?

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 strawflower pet-safety