What should I do if my cat ate Larkspur?

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. 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 should I do if my dog ate Larkspur?

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. Call immediately — your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) — any time you suspect your dog has eaten larkspur, even before symptoms start. The risk of cardiac and respiratory effects makes early decontamination important.

Larkspur — (c) Peter L Achuff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter L Achuff — Photo by (c) Peter L Achuff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter L AchuffiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Peter L Achuff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter L AchuffiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Larkspur

Q: Is Larkspur safe for cats?

Larkspur is potentially toxic to cats. 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.

Q: Is Larkspur safe for dogs?

Larkspur is potentially toxic to dogs. This plant is highly toxic to dogs. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion occurs, as symptoms can progress rapidly.

Delphinium species

Larkspur is a popular garden perennial known for its tall, showy spikes of flowers. It contains potent alkaloids that make it highly toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested.

Check a list

DelphiniumDelphinium speciesLarkspur

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Upright, herbaceous perennial
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

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

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

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.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or collapse.

Escalation note

This plant is highly toxic to dogs. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion occurs, as symptoms can progress rapidly.

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

Larkspur is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of diterpene alkaloids.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Delphinium species are highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Larkspur dogs safety page My dog ate Larkspur

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Gladiola

Gladiolus species

Gladiolus is a popular flowering bulb known for its tall, sword-shaped leaves and vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms. While prized for its beauty in gardens and bouquets, all parts of the plant, particularly the corm, contain compounds that are harmful if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

Lovage is a tall, perennial herb in the Apiaceae family often grown for its culinary uses, but it contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions in pets. It is best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.