Is White Comfrey toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white comfrey 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. Like all Symphytum species, Symphytum orientale contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds known to be hepatotoxic with repeated ingestion. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but given the genus-wide PA content, ingestion by pets or children should be avoided. Bristly leaf hairs may cause mild contact dermatitis. Not recommended for medicinal use or consumption.

Like all Symphytum species, Symphytum orientale contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds known to be hepatotoxic with repeated ingestion. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but given the genus-wide PA content, ingestion by pets or children should be avoided. Bristly leaf hairs may cause mild contact dermatitis. Not recommended for medicinal use or consumption. 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 white comfrey.

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: White Comfrey is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full white comfrey 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.