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If your cat ate spanish sea 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.

Spanish Sea Kale is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Spanish Sea Kale — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take spanish sea 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 spanish sea kale — FAQ

Is spanish sea kale poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Spanish Sea Kale (Crambe hispanica) as mildly toxic to cats. Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate spanish sea kale?

Spanish Sea 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. Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to pets. 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 spanish sea 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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