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Is Variegata Brunnera toxic to cats?

Brunnera macrophylla 'Variegata'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegata brunnera 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brunnera is in the borage family (Boraginaceae), which can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so ingestion may cause stomach upset and should be discouraged.

What to do if your cat ate variegata brunnera

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

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

Is variegata brunnera toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegata brunnera toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegata brunnera 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brunnera is in the borage family (Boraginaceae), which can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so ingestion may cause stomach upset and should be discouraged.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegata brunnera?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brunnera is in the borage family (Boraginaceae), which can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so ingestion may cause stomach upset and should be discouraged. 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 variegata brunnera.

What should I do if my cat ate variegata brunnera?

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 variegata brunnera toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegata brunnera?

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 variegata brunnera pet-safety