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Is Bok Choy 'Black Summer' toxic to cats?

Brassica rapa var. chinensis 'Black Summer'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bok choy 'black summer' 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. Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and small amounts of goitrogens, and large quantities can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in pets, so feed only sparingly.

What to do if your cat ate bok choy 'black summer'

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

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

Is bok choy 'black summer' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bok choy 'black summer' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bok choy 'black summer' 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. Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and small amounts of goitrogens, and large quantities can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in pets, so feed only sparingly.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bok choy 'black summer'?

Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and small amounts of goitrogens, and large quantities can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in pets, so feed only sparingly. 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 bok choy 'black summer'.

What should I do if my cat ate bok choy 'black summer'?

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 bok choy 'black summer' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bok Choy 'Black Summer' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bok choy 'black summer' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bok choy 'black summer'?

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 bok choy 'black summer' pet-safety