Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Borage - what should I do?
Borago officinalis
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting, diarrhea, and potential liver irritation due to alkaloid content.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to discomfort; please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Wipe your cat's mouth and any plant residue off her fur with a damp cloth, and rinse skin-contact areas with lukewarm water to limit dermatitis. Do not induce vomiting at home. Bag a leaf sample for the vet and call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) for guidance on whether to come in.
What to watch for
Drooling and vomiting are the most common early signs in cats; diarrhea may follow. Skin contact with the bristly leaves can produce localized dermatitis on the muzzle or paws. Watch for reduced appetite, lethargy, or yellowing of the gums lasting more than a day — those suggest the liver is working overtime and need a vet's eyes.
Time window
Onset and duration are not well documented for cats specifically; veterinary references note that information on borage poisoning in cats is limited, including how quickly signs appear and how much plant matters. Treat any GI signs that persist past a few hours as worth a call.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if your cat vomits more than once or twice, refuses food, becomes lethargic, develops persistent itching where she brushed the plant, or you witnessed a large ingestion. Don't wait for severe symptoms — cats hide illness well.
What this means for your cat
Cats nibbling on borage can develop GI upset and skin irritation — ASPCA flags Borago officinalis as toxic to cats due to tannins and mucilage, and the plant also contains pyrrolizidine-type alkaloids that can stress the liver and kidneys. It is rarely life-threatening, but exposure should not be ignored, especially in kittens or older cats.
Sources: ASPCA, Wag! Veterinary.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.