Pet safety
Is Greater Sea Kaletoxic to cats & dogs?
Crambe cordifolia
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 Crambe cordifolia
Is greater sea kale safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags greater sea kale 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. No known hazards or toxic principles are documented for Crambe cordifolia; the plant is in the edible Brassicaceae family and young leaves are consumed by humans. However, Crambe is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so an explicit pet-safe classification cannot be confirmed. Err on the side of caution and prevent pets from ingesting large quantities.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats greater sea kale?
No known hazards or toxic principles are documented for Crambe cordifolia; the plant is in the edible Brassicaceae family and young leaves are consumed by humans. However, Crambe is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so an explicit pet-safe classification cannot be confirmed. Err on the side of caution and prevent pets from ingesting large quantities. 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 greater sea kale, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate greater sea kale
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move greater sea kale 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 greater sea kale 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 greater sea kale
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)
Greater Sea Kale and pets — frequently asked questions
Is greater sea kale toxic to cats?
Greater Sea Kale (Crambe cordifolia) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. No known hazards or toxic principles are documented for Crambe cordifolia; the plant is in the edible Brassicaceae family and young leaves are consumed by humans. However, Crambe is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so an explicit pet-safe classification cannot be confirmed. Err on the side of caution and prevent pets from ingesting large quantities. 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 greater sea kale toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Greater Sea Kale (Crambe cordifolia) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like greater sea kale is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats greater sea kale?
No known hazards or toxic principles are documented for Crambe cordifolia; the plant is in the edible Brassicaceae family and young leaves are consumed by humans. However, Crambe is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so an explicit pet-safe classification cannot be confirmed. Err on the side of caution and prevent pets from ingesting large quantities. 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 greater sea kale, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate greater sea kale?
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 greater sea kale to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to greater sea kale?
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 greater sea kale care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete greater sea kale care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.