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If your cat ate ribbon 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Ribbon Grass is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Ribbon Grass — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take ribbon 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate ribbon grass — FAQ

Is ribbon grass poisonous to cats?

Yes — Ribbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta') is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Phalaris arundinacea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe status cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The species contains tryptamine and gramine alkaloids that cause 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium toxicity in grazing livestock; while household pets are unlikely to eat enough to be poisoned, ingestion of large amounts is best avoided and any signs of distress checked with a vet.

How serious is it if my cat ate ribbon grass?

Ribbon 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. Phalaris arundinacea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe status cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The species contains tryptamine and gramine alkaloids that cause 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium toxicity in grazing livestock; while household pets are unlikely to eat enough to be poisoned, ingestion of large amounts is best avoided and any signs of distress checked 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

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

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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