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Is Water Forget-me-not toxic to cats?

Myosotis scorpioides

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists water forget-me-not 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. Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult a vet.

What to do if your cat ate water forget-me-not

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move water forget-me-not 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 water forget-me-not to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is water forget-me-not toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is water forget-me-not toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists water forget-me-not 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. Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats water forget-me-not?

Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult a vet. 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 water forget-me-not.

What should I do if my cat ate water forget-me-not?

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 water forget-me-not toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Water Forget-me-not is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full water forget-me-not pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to water forget-me-not?

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 water forget-me-not pet-safety