Is Foxglove toxic to cats?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

abnormal heart rhythm
abnormal heart rate
high potassium level
nausea
drooling
vomiting
dilated pupils
tremors
seizures

How vets treat it

In severe, life-threatening cases, digoxin-specific Fab fragments can be used as an antidote.

Why it's dangerous

These toxins interfere directly with the electrolyte balance within the heart muscle, specifically affecting the sodium-potassium pump.

Toxic compound: Cardiac glycosides (cardenolides or bufadienolides)

Good to know

All parts of the plant are toxic, including the water in a vase containing the flowers. Related plants with similar toxins include Lily of the Valley, Oleander, and Milkweed.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

African Wonder Tree Extreme severity Andromeda Japonica Extreme severity Angel's Trumpet Extreme severity Autumn Crocus Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

Packaged food? Scan the barcode.

StrawPaw's food scanner reads the barcode on packaged products and flags ingredients that are risky for dogs and cats — before anything reaches the bowl.

Download StrawPaw for iOS