Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a tall, flowering plant known for its vibrant, bell-shaped blossoms that come in shades of pink, purple, and white. While beautiful, foxglove is highly toxic to cats and can cause severe illness or even death if ingested.
Cats are not actually allergic to foxglove, but the plant contains dangerous compounds called cardiac glycosides that disrupt the heart‘s normal function. Foxglove is commonly found in gardens, woodlands, and along roadsides.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of the foxglove plant, they may experience a range of troubling symptoms. These can include:
In severe cases, foxglove poisoning can lead to heart failure and death. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your cat has eaten any part of a foxglove plant.
If you bring your cat to the vet after suspected foxglove ingestion, they will likely perform the following steps to diagnose and treat the poisoning:
A: Yes, cats can be allergic to Foxglove. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, sneezing, and skin irritation.
A: Yes, Foxglove is highly toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause severe symptoms and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
A: Symptoms of Foxglove poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, abnormal heart rate, tremors, and seizures. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
A: To prevent contact, ensure that Foxglove is not present in your home or garden. Keep your cat indoors or monitor outdoor activities closely to avoid exposure.
A: If your cat ingests Foxglove, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
A: Yes, Foxglove is commonly found in gardens and as an ornamental plant. It is important to ensure this plant is kept out of reach of cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
Foxglove is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It was introduced to the United States as an ornamental garden plant in the 1700s. The plant gets its name from the old English word “foxes-glew”, which means “fox music”. This may refer to the resemblance of the flower spikes to an ancient musical instrument.
Medicinally, foxglove has been used since the 1500s. It is the original source of the heart medication digoxin, which is made from the cardiac glycosides found in the plant’s leaves. However, the plant itself is dangerous to ingest and the medication must be carefully formulated. Historically, foxglove was used to treat epilepsy, tuberculosis, and even as a diuretic before its effects on the heart were fully understood.
Today, foxglove is still a popular garden plant, but should be avoided in households with cats or other pets due to its toxicity. With prompt treatment, many cats can recover from foxglove poisoning.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
