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Pet safety

Is Black-eyed Susan vine toxic to cats?

Thunbergia alata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black-eyed susan vine 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. Thunbergia alata is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Thunbergia species appears on it, so the genus cannot be confirmed safe. Some pet-toxicity references note possible mild gastrointestinal upset if chewed; treat as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before assuming it is pet-safe. Note this is the vine, not the unrelated Rudbeckia hirta also called black-eyed Susan.

What to do if your cat ate black-eyed susan vine

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move black-eyed susan vine 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 black-eyed susan vine to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is black-eyed susan vine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is black-eyed susan vine toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black-eyed susan vine 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. Thunbergia alata is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Thunbergia species appears on it, so the genus cannot be confirmed safe. Some pet-toxicity references note possible mild gastrointestinal upset if chewed; treat as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before assuming it is pet-safe. Note this is the vine, not the unrelated Rudbeckia hirta also called black-eyed Susan.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats black-eyed susan vine?

Thunbergia alata is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Thunbergia species appears on it, so the genus cannot be confirmed safe. Some pet-toxicity references note possible mild gastrointestinal upset if chewed; treat as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before assuming it is pet-safe. Note this is the vine, not the unrelated Rudbeckia hirta also called black-eyed Susan. 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 black-eyed susan vine.

What should I do if my cat ate black-eyed susan vine?

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 black-eyed susan vine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Black-eyed Susan vine is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full black-eyed susan vine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to black-eyed susan vine?

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 black-eyed susan vine pet-safety