Is Veronica beccabunga toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists veronica beccabunga 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. Veronica beccabunga is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant lists, so its status for cats and dogs is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. Historically the young shoots were eaten by people as a salad cress, but pet tolerance is not established.

Veronica beccabunga is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant lists, so its status for cats and dogs is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. Historically the young shoots were eaten by people as a salad cress, but pet tolerance is not established. 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 veronica beccabunga.

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.

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

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.