Pet safety
Is Chinese Cabbage 'Michihili'toxic to cats & dogs?
Brassica rapa var. pekinensis 'Michihili'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Brassica rapa var. pekinensis 'Michihili'
Is chinese cabbage 'michihili' safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags chinese cabbage 'michihili' as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Brassica rapa is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Chinese cabbage is generally considered safe for cats and dogs in small amounts by vets, but as a cruciferous brassica it contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function if eaten in quantity, and lacks a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; treat with caution and verify with a vet.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats chinese cabbage 'michihili'?
Brassica rapa is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Chinese cabbage is generally considered safe for cats and dogs in small amounts by vets, but as a cruciferous brassica it contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function if eaten in quantity, and lacks a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to chinese cabbage 'michihili', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate chinese cabbage 'michihili'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move chinese cabbage 'michihili' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of chinese cabbage 'michihili' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to chinese cabbage 'michihili'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Chinese Cabbage 'Michihili' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is chinese cabbage 'michihili' toxic to cats?
Chinese Cabbage 'Michihili' (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis 'Michihili') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Brassica rapa is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Chinese cabbage is generally considered safe for cats and dogs in small amounts by vets, but as a cruciferous brassica it contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function if eaten in quantity, and lacks a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is chinese cabbage 'michihili' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Chinese Cabbage 'Michihili' (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis 'Michihili') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like chinese cabbage 'michihili' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats chinese cabbage 'michihili'?
Brassica rapa is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Chinese cabbage is generally considered safe for cats and dogs in small amounts by vets, but as a cruciferous brassica it contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function if eaten in quantity, and lacks a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to chinese cabbage 'michihili', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate chinese cabbage 'michihili'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of chinese cabbage 'michihili' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to chinese cabbage 'michihili'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full chinese cabbage 'michihili' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete chinese cabbage 'michihili' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.