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If your cat ate mary washington asparagus — 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.

Mary Washington Asparagus is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Mary Washington Asparagus — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take mary washington asparagus 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 mary washington asparagus — FAQ

Is mary washington asparagus poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Mary Washington Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington') as mildly toxic to cats. The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms.

How serious is it if my cat ate mary washington asparagus?

Mary Washington Asparagus 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. The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms. 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 mary washington asparagus well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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