Pet safety
Is Flat-Leaf Parsleytoxic to cats & dogs?
Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum
Is flat-leaf parsley safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Flat-Leaf Parsley is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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. The ASPCA lists Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization (dermatitis, sunburn) and mild GI upset, generally requiring large ingestion. Keep pets from grazing large amounts and consult a vet on exposure.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats flat-leaf parsley?
The ASPCA lists Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization (dermatitis, sunburn) and mild GI upset, generally requiring large ingestion. Keep pets from grazing large amounts and consult a vet on exposure. 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 flat-leaf parsley, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate flat-leaf parsley
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move flat-leaf 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 flat-leaf 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 flat-leaf 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:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Flat-Leaf Parsley and pets — frequently asked questions
Is flat-leaf parsley toxic to cats?
Flat-Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization (dermatitis, sunburn) and mild GI upset, generally requiring large ingestion. Keep pets from grazing large amounts and consult a vet on exposure. 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 flat-leaf parsley toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Flat-Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like flat-leaf parsley is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats flat-leaf parsley?
The ASPCA lists Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization (dermatitis, sunburn) and mild GI upset, generally requiring large ingestion. Keep pets from grazing large amounts and consult a vet on exposure. 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 flat-leaf parsley, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate flat-leaf 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 flat-leaf parsley to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to flat-leaf parsley?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. 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 flat-leaf parsley care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete flat-leaf parsley care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.