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Is Narrow-leaved Watsonia toxic to cats?

Watsonia angusta

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists narrow-leaved watsonia 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. Watsonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a close relative of Gladiolus (which the ASPCA lists as toxic), and given the absence of confirmed non-toxic evidence, a precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied. Keep pets from ingesting corms or foliage.

What to do if your cat ate narrow-leaved watsonia

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

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

Is narrow-leaved watsonia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is narrow-leaved watsonia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists narrow-leaved watsonia 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. Watsonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a close relative of Gladiolus (which the ASPCA lists as toxic), and given the absence of confirmed non-toxic evidence, a precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied. Keep pets from ingesting corms or foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats narrow-leaved watsonia?

Watsonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a close relative of Gladiolus (which the ASPCA lists as toxic), and given the absence of confirmed non-toxic evidence, a precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied. Keep pets from ingesting corms or foliage. 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 narrow-leaved watsonia.

What should I do if my cat ate narrow-leaved watsonia?

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 narrow-leaved watsonia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Narrow-leaved Watsonia is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full narrow-leaved watsonia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to narrow-leaved watsonia?

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 narrow-leaved watsonia pet-safety