Pet safety
Is Cow Parsleytoxic to cats & dogs?
Anthriscus sylvestris
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Anthriscus sylvestris
Is cow parsley safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags cow parsley 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. Anthriscus sylvestris is not listed individually in the ASPCA database but contains furocoumarins (photoactive compounds) that can cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact in sunlight in both humans and animals. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and general malaise in cats and dogs. Caution is warranted: the plant closely resembles deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum) and poison hemlock; always confirm identification before allowing pet access.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats cow parsley?
Anthriscus sylvestris is not listed individually in the ASPCA database but contains furocoumarins (photoactive compounds) that can cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact in sunlight in both humans and animals. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and general malaise in cats and dogs. Caution is warranted: the plant closely resembles deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum) and poison hemlock; always confirm identification before allowing pet access. 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 cow parsley, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate cow parsley
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move cow parsley 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 cow parsley 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 cow parsley
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Cow Parsley and pets — frequently asked questions
Is cow parsley toxic to cats?
Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Anthriscus sylvestris is not listed individually in the ASPCA database but contains furocoumarins (photoactive compounds) that can cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact in sunlight in both humans and animals. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and general malaise in cats and dogs. Caution is warranted: the plant closely resembles deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum) and poison hemlock; always confirm identification before allowing pet access. 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 cow parsley toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like cow parsley is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats cow parsley?
Anthriscus sylvestris is not listed individually in the ASPCA database but contains furocoumarins (photoactive compounds) that can cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact in sunlight in both humans and animals. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and general malaise in cats and dogs. Caution is warranted: the plant closely resembles deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum) and poison hemlock; always confirm identification before allowing pet access. 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 cow parsley, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate cow parsley?
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 cow parsley to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to cow parsley?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 cow parsley care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete cow parsley care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.