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If your cat ate strawberries and cream 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take strawberries and cream 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 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 strawberries and cream ribbon grass — FAQ

Is strawberries and cream ribbon grass poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea 'Strawberries and Cream') as mildly toxic to cats. Phalaris arundinacea and its cultivars are 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 responsible for 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium accumulation in grazing livestock; household pets are unlikely to consume a toxic dose, but large ingestions are best avoided and any signs of illness checked with a vet.

How serious is it if my cat ate strawberries and cream ribbon grass?

Strawberries and Cream 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 and its cultivars are 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 responsible for 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium accumulation in grazing livestock; household pets are unlikely to consume a toxic dose, but large ingestions are best avoided and any signs of illness 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 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 strawberries and cream ribbon grass well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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