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If your cat ate redbor 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.

Redbor Kale is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Redbor Kale — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take redbor 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 redbor kale — FAQ

Is redbor kale poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Redbor Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica 'Redbor') 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 trigger Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats and GI irritation with repeated or large feeding. Treat as unsafe for cats in quantity and check with a vet before feeding.

How serious is it if my cat ate redbor kale?

Redbor 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 trigger Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats and GI irritation with repeated or large feeding. Treat as unsafe for cats in quantity and check with a vet before feeding. 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 redbor 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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