Pet safety
Is Pak Choi 'Joi Choi'toxic to cats & dogs?
Brassica rapa var. chinensis 'Joi Choi'
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. chinensis 'Joi Choi'
Is pak choi 'joi choi' safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Pak Choi 'Joi Choi' 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. Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and goitrogenic compounds, and large amounts can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in cats and dogs, so offer only small 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 pak choi 'joi choi'?
Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and goitrogenic compounds, and large amounts can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in cats and dogs, so offer only small 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 pak choi 'joi choi', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate pak choi 'joi choi'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move pak choi 'joi choi' 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 pak choi 'joi choi' 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 pak choi 'joi choi'
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)
Pak Choi 'Joi Choi' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is pak choi 'joi choi' toxic to cats?
Pak Choi 'Joi Choi' (Brassica rapa var. chinensis 'Joi Choi') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and goitrogenic compounds, and large amounts can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in cats and dogs, so offer only small 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 pak choi 'joi choi' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Pak Choi 'Joi Choi' (Brassica rapa var. chinensis 'Joi Choi') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like pak choi 'joi choi' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats pak choi 'joi choi'?
Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and goitrogenic compounds, and large amounts can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in cats and dogs, so offer only small 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 pak choi 'joi choi', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate pak choi 'joi choi'?
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 pak choi 'joi choi' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to pak choi 'joi choi'?
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 pak choi 'joi choi' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete pak choi 'joi choi' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.