Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Cassava toxic to cats?

Manihot esculenta

Toxic to cats

Yes — cassava is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Manihot esculenta contain cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed or damaged — toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if consumed raw. The ASPCA lists the genus as toxic. Proper processing (peeling, soaking, cooking) detoxifies edible roots for human consumption, but unprocessed plant material must be kept away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate cassava

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

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

Is cassava toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cassava toxic to cats?

Yes — cassava is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Manihot esculenta contain cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed or damaged — toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if consumed raw. The ASPCA lists the genus as toxic. Proper processing (peeling, soaking, cooking) detoxifies edible roots for human consumption, but unprocessed plant material must be kept away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cassava?

All parts of Manihot esculenta contain cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed or damaged — toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if consumed raw. The ASPCA lists the genus as toxic. Proper processing (peeling, soaking, cooking) detoxifies edible roots for human consumption, but unprocessed plant material must be kept away from pets. 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 cassava.

What should I do if my cat ate cassava?

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 cassava toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cassava?

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 cassava pet-safety