Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
cat safety reference
Is Foxglove safe for cats?
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove is a biennial flowering plant known for its tall, tubular blooms. It contains potent cardiac glycosides that are highly toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
Common FoxgloveDigitalis purpureaLady's GlovePurple Foxglove
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Upright, biennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: emergency. Every part of foxglove contains cardiac glycosides — the same class of compound used to make the heart medication digitalis — which directly disrupt the electrolyte balance the heart muscle depends on. Even small ingestions can cause life-threatening arrhythmias.
What to watch for
Vomiting and drooling early on, then weakness, collapse, slow or irregular pulse, and tremors. Severe cases progress to cardiac failure, seizures, and death; some cats deteriorate suddenly with little warning between the gut signs and the cardiac signs.
Time window
First signs typically appear within minutes, sometimes up to 1–2 hours. Cardiac effects can develop or worsen over many hours and require monitoring well beyond the initial GI signs.
When to call the vet
Immediately. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline and get to an ER vet — even if your cat looks fine right now, foxglove ingestion needs cardiac monitoring before signs progress.
First aid at home
Transport to a veterinarian now. Do not induce vomiting at home unless explicitly directed by a poison-control toxicologist — the priority is ECG monitoring and IV access, not home decontamination.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and collapse.
Escalation note
This plant is highly toxic. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
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
Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides which can cause serious heart issues in pets.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Digitalis purpurea is highly toxic to humans and animals due to the presence of cardiac glycosides.
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