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Pet safety

Is Yellow-wort toxic to cats?

Blackstonia perfoliata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists yellow-wort 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. Blackstonia perfoliata is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Because its safety for cats and dogs cannot be confirmed from authoritative sources, it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a vet if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

What to do if your cat ate yellow-wort

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

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

Is yellow-wort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is yellow-wort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists yellow-wort 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. Blackstonia perfoliata is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Because its safety for cats and dogs cannot be confirmed from authoritative sources, it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a vet if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats yellow-wort?

Blackstonia perfoliata is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Because its safety for cats and dogs cannot be confirmed from authoritative sources, it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a vet if a pet ingests any part of the plant. 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 yellow-wort.

What should I do if my cat ate yellow-wort?

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 yellow-wort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to yellow-wort?

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 yellow-wort pet-safety