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Is Russian Comfrey toxic to cats?

Symphytum uplandicum

Toxic to cats

Yes — russian comfrey 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. Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), notably echimidine and symphytine, which are hepatotoxic. ASPCA lists Symphytum (comfrey) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Internal use is contraindicated in humans in many countries due to liver toxicity risk. External (topical) use of root preparations is considered lower risk but discouraged on broken skin. Keep pets away from plants.

What to do if your cat ate russian comfrey

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

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

Is russian comfrey toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is russian comfrey toxic to cats?

Yes — russian comfrey is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), notably echimidine and symphytine, which are hepatotoxic. ASPCA lists Symphytum (comfrey) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Internal use is contraindicated in humans in many countries due to liver toxicity risk. External (topical) use of root preparations is considered lower risk but discouraged on broken skin. Keep pets away from plants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats russian comfrey?

Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), notably echimidine and symphytine, which are hepatotoxic. ASPCA lists Symphytum (comfrey) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Internal use is contraindicated in humans in many countries due to liver toxicity risk. External (topical) use of root preparations is considered lower risk but discouraged on broken skin. Keep pets away from plants. 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 russian comfrey.

What should I do if my cat ate russian comfrey?

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 russian comfrey toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Russian Comfrey is toxic to dogs as well. See the full russian comfrey pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to russian comfrey?

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 russian comfrey pet-safety