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Is Wild Teasel toxic to cats?

Dipsacus fullonum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild teasel 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. Dipsacus fullonum is not recorded on the ASPCA toxic plant list for cats or dogs, and no significant toxic principles have been identified. However, the stiff, sharp spines on stems and leaves can cause skin puncture wounds and irritation on handling, so protective gloves are advisable. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution pending a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing.

What to do if your cat ate wild teasel

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

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

Is wild teasel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wild teasel toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild teasel 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. Dipsacus fullonum is not recorded on the ASPCA toxic plant list for cats or dogs, and no significant toxic principles have been identified. However, the stiff, sharp spines on stems and leaves can cause skin puncture wounds and irritation on handling, so protective gloves are advisable. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution pending a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wild teasel?

Dipsacus fullonum is not recorded on the ASPCA toxic plant list for cats or dogs, and no significant toxic principles have been identified. However, the stiff, sharp spines on stems and leaves can cause skin puncture wounds and irritation on handling, so protective gloves are advisable. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution pending a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing. 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 teasel.

What should I do if my cat ate wild teasel?

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 teasel toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to wild teasel?

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 teasel pet-safety