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Is Wild Blue Phlox toxic to cats?

Phlox divaricata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild blue phlox 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. Phlox divaricata is not individually highlighted by ASPCA as highly toxic, but Phlox species are generally considered to cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats if ingested. Not severely toxic, but ingestion by pets should be discouraged. Sap may cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

What to do if your cat ate wild blue phlox

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

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

Is wild blue phlox toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wild blue phlox toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild blue phlox 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. Phlox divaricata is not individually highlighted by ASPCA as highly toxic, but Phlox species are generally considered to cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats if ingested. Not severely toxic, but ingestion by pets should be discouraged. Sap may cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wild blue phlox?

Phlox divaricata is not individually highlighted by ASPCA as highly toxic, but Phlox species are generally considered to cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats if ingested. Not severely toxic, but ingestion by pets should be discouraged. Sap may cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. 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 wild blue phlox.

What should I do if my cat ate wild blue phlox?

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 wild blue phlox toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wild Blue Phlox is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full wild blue phlox pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wild blue phlox?

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 wild blue phlox pet-safety