Pet safety
Is Alaska Mix Nasturtiumtoxic to cats & dogs?
Tropaeolum majus
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 Tropaeolum majus
Is alaska mix nasturtium safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags alaska mix nasturtium 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. The ASPCA lists Tropaeolum majus as toxic to dogs and cats, noting the isothiocyanate compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in significant quantities. The edible-use designation applies to humans, not 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 alaska mix nasturtium?
The ASPCA lists Tropaeolum majus as toxic to dogs and cats, noting the isothiocyanate compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in significant quantities. The edible-use designation applies to humans, not 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 alaska mix nasturtium, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate alaska mix nasturtium
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move alaska mix nasturtium 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 alaska mix nasturtium 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 alaska mix nasturtium
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)
Alaska Mix Nasturtium and pets — frequently asked questions
Is alaska mix nasturtium toxic to cats?
Alaska Mix Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Tropaeolum majus as toxic to dogs and cats, noting the isothiocyanate compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in significant quantities. The edible-use designation applies to humans, not 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 alaska mix nasturtium toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Alaska Mix Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like alaska mix nasturtium is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats alaska mix nasturtium?
The ASPCA lists Tropaeolum majus as toxic to dogs and cats, noting the isothiocyanate compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in significant quantities. The edible-use designation applies to humans, not 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 alaska mix nasturtium, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate alaska mix nasturtium?
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 alaska mix nasturtium to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to alaska mix nasturtium?
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 alaska mix nasturtium care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete alaska mix nasturtium care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.