Pet safety
Is Redwood Sorreltoxic to cats & dogs?
Oxalis oregana
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Oxalis oregana
Is redwood sorrel safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags redwood sorrel 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. ASPCA lists Oxalis species (shamrock plants) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to soluble calcium oxalates. Clinical signs include salivation, vomiting, and in large ingestions, tremors and kidney effects. Leaves have traditional edible use for humans in small amounts (comparable oxalate content to spinach), but individuals with kidney stones, gout, or arthritis should avoid consumption. Keep away from pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats redwood sorrel?
ASPCA lists Oxalis species (shamrock plants) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to soluble calcium oxalates. Clinical signs include salivation, vomiting, and in large ingestions, tremors and kidney effects. Leaves have traditional edible use for humans in small amounts (comparable oxalate content to spinach), but individuals with kidney stones, gout, or arthritis should avoid consumption. Keep away from pets. 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 redwood sorrel, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate redwood sorrel
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move redwood sorrel 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 redwood sorrel 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 redwood sorrel
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)
Redwood Sorrel and pets — frequently asked questions
Is redwood sorrel toxic to cats?
Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Oxalis species (shamrock plants) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to soluble calcium oxalates. Clinical signs include salivation, vomiting, and in large ingestions, tremors and kidney effects. Leaves have traditional edible use for humans in small amounts (comparable oxalate content to spinach), but individuals with kidney stones, gout, or arthritis should avoid consumption. Keep away from pets. 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 redwood sorrel toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like redwood sorrel is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats redwood sorrel?
ASPCA lists Oxalis species (shamrock plants) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to soluble calcium oxalates. Clinical signs include salivation, vomiting, and in large ingestions, tremors and kidney effects. Leaves have traditional edible use for humans in small amounts (comparable oxalate content to spinach), but individuals with kidney stones, gout, or arthritis should avoid consumption. Keep away from pets. 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 redwood sorrel, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate redwood sorrel?
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 redwood sorrel to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to redwood sorrel?
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 redwood sorrel care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete redwood sorrel care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.