Growli
Let's go

If your cat ate greater quaking grass — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Greater Quaking Grass is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Greater Quaking Grass — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take greater quaking grass away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate greater quaking grass — FAQ

Is greater quaking grass poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Greater Quaking Grass (Briza maxima) as mildly toxic to cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so a definitive pet-safe label cannot be given; treat with caution and verify with a vet. True grasses contain no known systemic toxin, but the dry, barbed seed awns can lodge in a pet's mouth, ears, eyes or paws and cause mechanical injury.

How serious is it if my cat ate greater quaking grass?

Greater Quaking Grass is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so a definitive pet-safe label cannot be given; treat with caution and verify with a vet. True grasses contain no known systemic toxin, but the dry, barbed seed awns can lodge in a pet's mouth, ears, eyes or paws and cause mechanical injury. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep greater quaking grass well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related