Is Azolla pinnata toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists azolla pinnata 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. Azolla pinnata is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Note that wild-collected Azolla mats can harbour cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and accumulated contaminants, which are a genuine ingestion hazard for pets and livestock.

Azolla pinnata is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Note that wild-collected Azolla mats can harbour cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and accumulated contaminants, which are a genuine ingestion hazard for pets and livestock. 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 azolla pinnata.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Azolla pinnata is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full azolla pinnata pet-safety guide for both species.

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.