Pet safety
Is Musk Stork's Billtoxic to cats & dogs?
Erodium moschatum
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 Erodium moschatum
Is musk stork's bill safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Musk Stork's Bill is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. 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. Erodium moschatum is not listed by the ASPCA as a toxic plant, and the Erodium genus has no documented toxic principles for cats or dogs. Although the young leaves are eaten by humans, no formal ASPCA 'non-toxic' confirmation exists for this species, warranting a mildly-toxic classification for pets as a precaution. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if animals consume foliage.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats musk stork's bill?
Erodium moschatum is not listed by the ASPCA as a toxic plant, and the Erodium genus has no documented toxic principles for cats or dogs. Although the young leaves are eaten by humans, no formal ASPCA 'non-toxic' confirmation exists for this species, warranting a mildly-toxic classification for pets as a precaution. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if animals consume foliage. 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 musk stork's bill, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate musk stork's bill
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move musk stork's bill 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 musk stork's bill 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 musk stork's bill
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)
Musk Stork's Bill and pets — frequently asked questions
Is musk stork's bill toxic to cats?
Musk Stork's Bill (Erodium moschatum) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Erodium moschatum is not listed by the ASPCA as a toxic plant, and the Erodium genus has no documented toxic principles for cats or dogs. Although the young leaves are eaten by humans, no formal ASPCA 'non-toxic' confirmation exists for this species, warranting a mildly-toxic classification for pets as a precaution. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if animals consume foliage. 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 musk stork's bill toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Musk Stork's Bill (Erodium moschatum) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like musk stork's bill is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats musk stork's bill?
Erodium moschatum is not listed by the ASPCA as a toxic plant, and the Erodium genus has no documented toxic principles for cats or dogs. Although the young leaves are eaten by humans, no formal ASPCA 'non-toxic' confirmation exists for this species, warranting a mildly-toxic classification for pets as a precaution. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if animals consume foliage. 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 musk stork's bill, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate musk stork's bill?
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 musk stork's bill to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to musk stork's bill?
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 musk stork's bill care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete musk stork's bill care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.