Home » Cat Plants » Is Your Cat at Risk from the Showy Daisy Plant?
The showy daisy (Erigeron speciosus), also known as aspen fleabane, garden fleabane, or showy fleabane, is a flowering perennial plant commonly found in open coniferous forests and gardens throughout western North America. While cats are not specifically allergic to showy daisies, ingesting any part of this plant can be toxic to cats , causing gastrointestinal upset and other health issues.
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 eats parts of a showy daisy plant, especially the flower heads, leaves or stems, it may experience gastrointestinal distress. Common signs that a cat has ingested this mildly poisonous plant include:
In most cases, symptoms will resolve on their own within 24-48 hours. However, if your cat experiences prolonged vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, contact your veterinarian right away.
If you suspect your cat has eaten showy daisies and is showing signs of illness, your vet will likely perform the following steps to diagnose plant toxicity:
Most cats recover well with proper veterinary treatment after consuming small amounts of toxic plants like showy daisy.
A: Yes, Showy Daisy is toxic to cats. It can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea due to its harmful compounds, making it unsafe for pets.
A: If a cat eats Showy Daisy, it may experience mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. Immediate veterinary care is recommended to prevent more severe symptoms.
A: Not all types of daisies are toxic to cats, but species like Showy Daisy and Seaside Daisy are harmful. It’s important to research specific varieties before introducing them into a cat-friendly environment.
A: Even small amounts of Showy Daisy can be harmful to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can result in toxic reactions, so it’s essential to keep it out of reach.
A: Showy Daisy poisoning in cats is usually not fatal, but it can cause significant discomfort. Quick veterinary intervention can help alleviate symptoms and ensure recovery.
A: If your cat ingests Showy Daisy, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is key to reducing the toxic effects and ensuring your cat’s health and well-being.
Leucanthemum x superbum is a hybrid ornamental daisy developed in the late 1800s by Luther Burbank. He crossed the European oxeye daisy with the Portuguese field daisy to create a more showy, robust garden variety.The plant has since become a mainstay of perennial gardens, prized for its abundant flowers that bloom from early summer into fall.
Many cultivars have been developed in a range of sizes and petal forms. While beautiful, its vigor has led to some varieties being considered invasive wildflowers in certain areas.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.