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Is Black Mondo Grass toxic to cats?

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black mondo grass 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. Ophiopogon planiscapus is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. No specific toxic principle is documented; as with related lilyturfs, ingestion of foliage or the black berries may cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs.

What to do if your cat ate black mondo grass

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

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

Is black mondo grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is black mondo grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black mondo grass 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. Ophiopogon planiscapus is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. No specific toxic principle is documented; as with related lilyturfs, ingestion of foliage or the black berries may cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats black mondo grass?

Ophiopogon planiscapus is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. No specific toxic principle is documented; as with related lilyturfs, ingestion of foliage or the black berries may cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. 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 black mondo grass.

What should I do if my cat ate black mondo grass?

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 black mondo grass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Black Mondo Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full black mondo grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to black mondo grass?

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 black mondo grass pet-safety