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Is weeping forsythia toxic to cats?

Forsythia suspensa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists weeping forsythia 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. Forsythia is generally considered to have low toxicity, but ASPCA does not specifically list it as non-toxic. The plant is not considered severely toxic, but ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and keep curious pets away.

What to do if your cat ate weeping forsythia

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

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

Is weeping forsythia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is weeping forsythia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists weeping forsythia 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. Forsythia is generally considered to have low toxicity, but ASPCA does not specifically list it as non-toxic. The plant is not considered severely toxic, but ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and keep curious pets away.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats weeping forsythia?

Forsythia is generally considered to have low toxicity, but ASPCA does not specifically list it as non-toxic. The plant is not considered severely toxic, but ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and keep curious pets away. 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 weeping forsythia.

What should I do if my cat ate weeping forsythia?

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 weeping forsythia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to weeping forsythia?

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 weeping forsythia pet-safety