Is Foxglove Toxic to Cats? Yes, Highly: Emergency Signs

Highly toxic

Yes, foxglove is highly toxic to cats

Foxglove is the plant the heart drug digoxin was originally made from. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm problems in cats and dogs.

If your cat ate or touched foxglove: go to an emergency vet now or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Do not wait for symptoms.

Foxglove and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Highly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Highly toxic
Scientific name	Digitalis purpurea
Also called	digitalis
Toxic compound	Cardiac glycosides
Toxic parts	All parts, including the flowers, seeds and vase water
Signs usually start	Usually within a few hours
Plant type	Garden plant

Symptoms of foxglove poisoning in cats

Vomiting and diarrhea
Drooling
Abnormal heart rhythm (slow or irregular)
Weakness and collapse
Death

Why foxglove is toxic to cats

Cardiac glycosides work like an overdose of the heart drug digoxin. They block a pump that heart cells need to control their rhythm, which can cause a dangerously slow or irregular heartbeat, high blood potassium and sudden collapse. The toxin is present in every part of the plant and in water the plant has stood in.

What to do if your cat ate foxglove

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately, even if your cat seems normal: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Signs can be delayed while damage is happening.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, abnormal heart rhythm. Do not wait for these signs before getting help.

Treatment and outlook

This is an emergency. Vets decontaminate (vomiting and activated charcoal, often repeated), give IV fluids, monitor the heart with an ECG, and treat arrhythmias. Digoxin-specific antibody fragments are used in severe cases.

How to keep your cat away from foxglove

Place foxglove on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
In the garden, fence off beds, supervise cats that dig, and store bulbs in a closed container before planting.

Pet-safe alternatives to foxglove

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Foxglove and cats: FAQ

Is foxglove poisonous to cats?

Foxglove is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. If your cat ate any part of this plant, treat it as an emergency.

What part of foxglove is toxic to cats?

All parts, including the flowers, seeds and vase water.

Can cats die from eating foxglove?

Yes. Foxglove can be fatal to cats, which is why any exposure needs emergency veterinary care.

How long after eating foxglove will my cat show symptoms?

Usually within a few hours.

Is foxglove toxic to dogs too?

Yes, foxglove is highly toxic to dogs.

Other plants toxic to cats

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Is Foxglove Toxic to Cats?