Pet safety
Is Choy Sum 'Green Lance'toxic to cats & dogs?
Brassica rapa var. parachinensis 'Green Lance'
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. parachinensis 'Green Lance'
Is choy sum 'green lance' safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags choy sum 'green lance' 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. ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, and large repeated quantities carry thiocyanate risk, particularly in cats. Keep away from horses; verify with a vet if a pet seems unwell.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats choy sum 'green lance'?
ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, and large repeated quantities carry thiocyanate risk, particularly in cats. Keep away from horses; verify with a vet if a pet seems unwell. 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 choy sum 'green lance', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate choy sum 'green lance'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move choy sum 'green lance' 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 choy sum 'green lance' 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 choy sum 'green lance'
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)
Choy Sum 'Green Lance' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is choy sum 'green lance' toxic to cats?
Choy Sum 'Green Lance' (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis 'Green Lance') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, and large repeated quantities carry thiocyanate risk, particularly in cats. Keep away from horses; verify with a vet if a pet seems unwell. 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 choy sum 'green lance' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Choy Sum 'Green Lance' (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis 'Green Lance') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like choy sum 'green lance' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats choy sum 'green lance'?
ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, and large repeated quantities carry thiocyanate risk, particularly in cats. Keep away from horses; verify with a vet if a pet seems unwell. 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 choy sum 'green lance', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate choy sum 'green lance'?
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 choy sum 'green lance' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to choy sum 'green lance'?
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 choy sum 'green lance' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete choy sum 'green lance' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.