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If your cat ate lacinato kale — 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.

Lacinato Kale is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Lacinato Kale — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take lacinato kale 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 lacinato kale — FAQ

Is lacinato kale poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia 'Lacinato') as mildly toxic to cats. Garden kale (Brassica oleracea) is not individually listed by the ASPCA and is generally non-toxic to dogs, but it contains N-propyl disulfide and thiocyanate/isothiocyanate compounds that can cause Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats and gastrointestinal irritation with repeated or large feeding. Treat as cat-unsafe in quantity and verify any deliberate feeding with a vet.

How serious is it if my cat ate lacinato kale?

Lacinato Kale 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. Garden kale (Brassica oleracea) is not individually listed by the ASPCA and is generally non-toxic to dogs, but it contains N-propyl disulfide and thiocyanate/isothiocyanate compounds that can cause Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats and gastrointestinal irritation with repeated or large feeding. Treat as cat-unsafe in quantity and verify any deliberate feeding with a vet. 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 lacinato kale well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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