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Is Common Sorrel toxic to cats?

Rumex acetosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — common sorrel 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. The ASPCA lists Sorrel (and Dock, Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation and tremors, with kidney failure rare in cats and dogs. Large ingestions are the main concern; keep grazing pets away.

What to do if your cat ate common sorrel

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

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

Is common sorrel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common sorrel toxic to cats?

Yes — common sorrel is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Sorrel (and Dock, Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation and tremors, with kidney failure rare in cats and dogs. Large ingestions are the main concern; keep grazing pets away.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common sorrel?

The ASPCA lists Sorrel (and Dock, Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation and tremors, with kidney failure rare in cats and dogs. Large ingestions are the main concern; keep grazing pets away. 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 sorrel.

What should I do if my cat ate common sorrel?

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 sorrel toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common sorrel?

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 sorrel pet-safety