Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Larkspur - what should I do?
Delphinium species
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
Neuromuscular paralysis, severe digestive upset, drooling, and potential cardiac irregularities.
Escalation note
Ingestion is considered dangerous. If you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
First aid at home
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
What to watch for
Most-common: drooling and vomiting. Less common but more serious — and what makes larkspur dangerous — severe agitation or unusual aggression, diarrhea, tremors, weakness, and depressed breathing or heart function.
Time window
Onset and duration are not well documented for cats. ASPCA describes effects as ranging from increased salivation and tremors to recumbency and convulsions, indicating both rapid and severe presentations are possible.
When to call the vet
Call immediately — your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) — any time you suspect your cat has eaten larkspur. Don't wait for symptoms; the neuromuscular and cardiac risks make this an immediate-call plant.
What this means for your cat
Cats should not chew larkspur — its alkaloids act on the neuromuscular system and the gut. Pet Poison Helpline describes cat-specific signs as severe agitation, aggression, vomiting, drooling, tremors and respiratory or cardiovascular depression — this isn't a wait-and-see plant.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.