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If your cat ate water parsley — 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.

Water Parsley is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Water Parsley — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take water parsley 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 water parsley — FAQ

Is water parsley poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Water Parsley (Oenanthe javanica) as mildly toxic to cats. The leaves and stems of Oenanthe javanica are widely consumed as a vegetable and are not directly listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database. However, the Oenanthe genus contains deadly toxic species (e.g. O. crocata, hemlock water dropwort, which contains oenanthotoxin). Given the genus risk and the fact that roots contain potentially harmful compounds if eaten raw, this species is classified as mildly-toxic until ASPCA listing confirms its safety. Keep pets from grazing on it as a precaution.

How serious is it if my cat ate water parsley?

Water Parsley 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 leaves and stems of Oenanthe javanica are widely consumed as a vegetable and are not directly listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database. However, the Oenanthe genus contains deadly toxic species (e.g. O. crocata, hemlock water dropwort, which contains oenanthotoxin). Given the genus risk and the fact that roots contain potentially harmful compounds if eaten raw, this species is classified as mildly-toxic until ASPCA listing confirms its safety. Keep pets from grazing on it as a precaution. 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 water parsley well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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