Pet safety
Is Spanish Sea Kaletoxic to cats & dogs?
Crambe hispanica
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 hispanica
Is spanish sea kale safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Spanish Sea Kale 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. Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to 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 spanish sea kale?
Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to 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 spanish sea kale, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate spanish sea kale
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move spanish 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 spanish 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 spanish 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:
- 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)
Spanish Sea Kale and pets — frequently asked questions
Is spanish sea kale toxic to cats?
Spanish Sea Kale (Crambe hispanica) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to 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 spanish sea kale toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Spanish Sea Kale (Crambe hispanica) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like spanish sea kale is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats spanish sea kale?
Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to 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 spanish sea kale, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate spanish 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 spanish sea kale to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to spanish sea kale?
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 spanish sea kale care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete spanish sea kale care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.