Growli

Pet safety

Is Woolly Foxglove toxic to cats?

Digitalis lanata

Toxic to cats

Yes — woolly foxglove is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Digitalis lanata are highly toxic to humans, pets (cats, dogs, horses), and livestock. Contains cardiac glycosides (especially lanatoside C, the precursor to digoxin) which cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and can be fatal even in small amounts. The ASPCA lists Digitalis (foxglove) as toxic. Wear gloves when handling; wash hands thoroughly afterward.

What to do if your cat ate woolly foxglove

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

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

Is woolly foxglove toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is woolly foxglove toxic to cats?

Yes — woolly foxglove is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Digitalis lanata are highly toxic to humans, pets (cats, dogs, horses), and livestock. Contains cardiac glycosides (especially lanatoside C, the precursor to digoxin) which cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and can be fatal even in small amounts. The ASPCA lists Digitalis (foxglove) as toxic. Wear gloves when handling; wash hands thoroughly afterward.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats woolly foxglove?

All parts of Digitalis lanata are highly toxic to humans, pets (cats, dogs, horses), and livestock. Contains cardiac glycosides (especially lanatoside C, the precursor to digoxin) which cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and can be fatal even in small amounts. The ASPCA lists Digitalis (foxglove) as toxic. Wear gloves when handling; wash hands thoroughly afterward. 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 woolly foxglove.

What should I do if my cat ate woolly foxglove?

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 woolly foxglove toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Woolly Foxglove is toxic to dogs as well. See the full woolly foxglove pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to woolly foxglove?

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 woolly foxglove pet-safety