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Is Alisma plantago-aquatica toxic to cats?

Alisma plantago-aquatica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alisma plantago-aquatica as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Alisma plantago-aquatica is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fresh plant contains acrid saponin-type compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin/mouth irritation (the foliage is only made edible for humans by thorough cooking or drying), so do not let cats or dogs graze it.

What to do if your cat ate alisma plantago-aquatica

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move alisma plantago-aquatica out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of alisma plantago-aquatica to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten alisma plantago-aquatica, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is alisma plantago-aquatica toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is alisma plantago-aquatica toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alisma plantago-aquatica as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Alisma plantago-aquatica is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fresh plant contains acrid saponin-type compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin/mouth irritation (the foliage is only made edible for humans by thorough cooking or drying), so do not let cats or dogs graze it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats alisma plantago-aquatica?

Alisma plantago-aquatica is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fresh plant contains acrid saponin-type compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin/mouth irritation (the foliage is only made edible for humans by thorough cooking or drying), so do not let cats or dogs graze it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to alisma plantago-aquatica.

What should I do if my cat ate alisma plantago-aquatica?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is alisma plantago-aquatica toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Alisma plantago-aquatica is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full alisma plantago-aquatica pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to alisma plantago-aquatica?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full alisma plantago-aquatica pet-safety