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Is Common Ice Plant toxic to cats?

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common ice plant 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. The ASPCA does not specifically list Mesembryanthemum crystallinum as toxic, and it is generally considered low-risk for cats and dogs; however, the foliage contains soluble oxalates which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in quantity. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution pending direct ASPCA species confirmation.

What to do if your cat ate common ice plant

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

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

Is common ice plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common ice plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common ice plant 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. The ASPCA does not specifically list Mesembryanthemum crystallinum as toxic, and it is generally considered low-risk for cats and dogs; however, the foliage contains soluble oxalates which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in quantity. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution pending direct ASPCA species confirmation.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common ice plant?

The ASPCA does not specifically list Mesembryanthemum crystallinum as toxic, and it is generally considered low-risk for cats and dogs; however, the foliage contains soluble oxalates which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in quantity. Classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution pending direct ASPCA species confirmation. 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 ice plant.

What should I do if my cat ate common ice plant?

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 ice plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common ice plant?

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 ice plant pet-safety