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Is Common Cow-wheat toxic to cats?

Melampyrum pratense

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common cow-wheat 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. Contains iridoid glycosides (aucubin and related compounds) typical of Orobanchaceae; ingestion of large quantities may cause digestive upset and illness in dogs and cats. Not listed by ASPCA but not confirmed safe — treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate common cow-wheat

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

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

Is common cow-wheat toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common cow-wheat toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common cow-wheat 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. Contains iridoid glycosides (aucubin and related compounds) typical of Orobanchaceae; ingestion of large quantities may cause digestive upset and illness in dogs and cats. Not listed by ASPCA but not confirmed safe — treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common cow-wheat?

Contains iridoid glycosides (aucubin and related compounds) typical of Orobanchaceae; ingestion of large quantities may cause digestive upset and illness in dogs and cats. Not listed by ASPCA but not confirmed safe — treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion. 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 common cow-wheat.

What should I do if my cat ate common cow-wheat?

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 common cow-wheat toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Cow-wheat is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full common cow-wheat pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common cow-wheat?

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 common cow-wheat pet-safety