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Is Tuberous Comfrey toxic to cats?

Symphytum tuberosum

Toxic to cats

Yes — tuberous 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 tuberosum contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids as do all Symphytum species. ASPCA lists the Symphytum genus as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion can cause hepatotoxicity. The tuberous rhizomes have historically been confused with edible roots — do not consume. Keep pets away from plants and rhizomes, especially when dividing.

What to do if your cat ate tuberous comfrey

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

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

Is tuberous comfrey toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tuberous comfrey toxic to cats?

Yes — tuberous comfrey is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Symphytum tuberosum contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids as do all Symphytum species. ASPCA lists the Symphytum genus as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion can cause hepatotoxicity. The tuberous rhizomes have historically been confused with edible roots — do not consume. Keep pets away from plants and rhizomes, especially when dividing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tuberous comfrey?

Symphytum tuberosum contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids as do all Symphytum species. ASPCA lists the Symphytum genus as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion can cause hepatotoxicity. The tuberous rhizomes have historically been confused with edible roots — do not consume. Keep pets away from plants and rhizomes, especially when dividing. 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 tuberous comfrey.

What should I do if my cat ate tuberous 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 tuberous comfrey toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to tuberous 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 tuberous comfrey pet-safety