Is Campanula Toxic to Cats? Everything You Need to Know About Campanula Varieties
- Abi
- October 29, 2022
- 6:32 pm
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Campanulas are a genus of flowering plants that contain flowers such as bell flowers, Scottish bluebells, harebells, and Canterbury bells. Is campanula toxic to cats? Let’s find out!
Most species of campanulas are not considered to be toxic to cats and other animals. Some flowers in this botanical family can cause mild symptoms of gastro upset if consumed by a cat. However, as with any plant, it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep them out of reach of your pets.
This article will answer the question, ‘is campanula toxic to cats?’ We’ll tell you everything you need to know about these flowering plants to help you decide whether or not to add them to a pet-friendly yard.
Is campanula toxic to cats?
With its beautiful blue flowers, campanula is a popular garden plant. According to the ASPCA, Campanula is not toxic to cats. However, this doesn’t mean that your cat won’t be interested in eating it.
If your cat nibbles on campanula, they may experience stomach upset, so it’s best to keep them away from the plant.
If a cat eats any part of a campanula leaves or flowers, they may suffer from an upset stomach and experience the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
It’s vital to seek veterinary help if you are unsure which plant your cat has eaten. Many plants, such as lilies, are highly toxic to cats, and the symptoms can prove to be fatal if they aren’t treated quickly enough.
What are Campanulas?
Campanula is a genus of flowering plants in the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. There are about 473 species of campanula, many native to the mountains of Europe. A few species are found in Asia and Africa, and one in northeastern North America.
Most species of campanula prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They are relatively drought-tolerant once they are established. Campanula is a versatile genus with species that can be used in rock gardens, as a groundcover, or as border plants. In the wild many species are found growing in woodlands or grasslands.
The word campanula means little bell in Latin, as the flowers are bell-shaped. Some species of campanula are:
- Campanula rotundifolia (known as harebells in England and bluebells in Scotland) These flowers shouldn’t be confused with the real bluebell.
- Campanula medium, which is commonly referred to as Canterbury bells
- Campanula rapunculus, known as bellflowers and sometimes called ranunculus bellflowers or rover bellflower
- Kent Belle a cultivator of the campanula rotundifolia
- Campanula Misty Dawn is another cultivator
- Campanula americana – American bellflower
- Campanula angustiflora – Eastwood’s bellflower
- Campanula balfourii – Socotra bellflower
- Campanula barbata – bearded bellflower
Are Canterbury bells toxic to cats?
Canterbury bells are one of the most popular varieties of campanula, which is grown in yards across the world. According to the ASPCA, these flowers are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Are Campanulas toxic to cats? Final thoughts
If you’re looking for pet-friendly plants for your garden, you may consider campanula. While these plants aren’t regarded as poisonous, it’s worth noting that they can cause stomach upset in cats. Just be sure to keep an eye on your cat if he’s prone to nibbling plants to ensure he doesn’t try to sample it!
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