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Is Canary Reed Grass toxic to cats?

Phalaris arundinacea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists canary reed 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. Phalaris arundinacea is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA for companion animals; however, the species contains tryptamine alkaloids and gramine that are documented to cause neurological and digestive issues ('Phalaris staggers') in sheep and cattle when consumed in large quantities. Classify as mildly-toxic due to alkaloid content and livestock risk; risk to dogs and cats from incidental ingestion is low but uncertain.

What to do if your cat ate canary reed grass

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

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

Is canary reed grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is canary reed grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists canary reed 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. Phalaris arundinacea is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA for companion animals; however, the species contains tryptamine alkaloids and gramine that are documented to cause neurological and digestive issues ('Phalaris staggers') in sheep and cattle when consumed in large quantities. Classify as mildly-toxic due to alkaloid content and livestock risk; risk to dogs and cats from incidental ingestion is low but uncertain.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats canary reed grass?

Phalaris arundinacea is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA for companion animals; however, the species contains tryptamine alkaloids and gramine that are documented to cause neurological and digestive issues ('Phalaris staggers') in sheep and cattle when consumed in large quantities. Classify as mildly-toxic due to alkaloid content and livestock risk; risk to dogs and cats from incidental ingestion is low but uncertain. 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 canary reed grass.

What should I do if my cat ate canary reed 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 canary reed grass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Canary Reed Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full canary reed grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to canary reed 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 canary reed grass pet-safety