What should I do if my cat ate Borage?

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. 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.

Borage — (c) Eleftherios Katsillis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eleftherios Katsillis — Photo by (c) Eleftherios Katsillis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eleftherios KatsillisiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Eleftherios Katsillis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eleftherios KatsillisiNaturalistCC BY

cat safety reference

Is Borage safe for cats?

Q: Is Borage safe for cats?

Borage is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to discomfort; please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Borago officinalis

Borage is a flowering herb known for its star-shaped blue flowers and hairy foliage. While often used in culinary applications for humans, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be harmful to pets if ingested.

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Bee breadBorago officinalisStarflowerTalewort

Light: Full sun
Habit: Upright, branching
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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.

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.

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.

Sources: ASPCA, Wag! Veterinary.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

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.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Borage is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Borago officinalis is an annual herb in the Boraginaceae family, noted for its culinary and medicinal history.

Cats & dogs page dogs page My cat ate Borage

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