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Pet safety

Is Beet toxic to cats?

Beta vulgaris

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists beet 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. Beta vulgaris contains soluble oxalates. Large amounts cause GI upset in cats and dogs; small portions are tolerated.

What to do if your cat ate beet

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move beet 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 beet to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is beet toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is beet toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists beet 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. Beta vulgaris contains soluble oxalates. Large amounts cause GI upset in cats and dogs; small portions are tolerated.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats beet?

Beta vulgaris contains soluble oxalates. Large amounts cause GI upset in cats and dogs; small portions are tolerated. 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 beet.

What should I do if my cat ate beet?

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 beet toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to beet?

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 beet pet-safety