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Pet safety

Is Velvetleaf toxic to cats?

Abutilon theophrasti

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists velvetleaf 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. Abutilon theophrasti is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. No specific toxic principles are documented, but as with any plant ingested in quantity, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible in pets. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate velvetleaf

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

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

Is velvetleaf toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is velvetleaf toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists velvetleaf 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. Abutilon theophrasti is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. No specific toxic principles are documented, but as with any plant ingested in quantity, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible in pets. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats velvetleaf?

Abutilon theophrasti is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. No specific toxic principles are documented, but as with any plant ingested in quantity, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible in pets. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution. 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 velvetleaf.

What should I do if my cat ate velvetleaf?

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 velvetleaf toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to velvetleaf?

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 velvetleaf pet-safety