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Is Common Nardoo toxic to cats?

Marsilea drummondii

Toxic to cats

Yes — common nardoo 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. Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature.

What to do if your cat ate common nardoo

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

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

Is common nardoo toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common nardoo toxic to cats?

Yes — common nardoo is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common nardoo?

Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature. 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 nardoo.

What should I do if my cat ate common nardoo?

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 nardoo toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common nardoo?

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 nardoo pet-safety