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Is Curly Parsley toxic to cats?

Petroselinum crispum var. crispum

Toxic to cats

Yes — curly parsley 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 Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization and mild gastrointestinal upset, typically after large ingestion. Discourage heavy grazing by pets and seek veterinary advice if a lot is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate curly parsley

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

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

Is curly parsley toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is curly parsley toxic to cats?

Yes — curly parsley 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 Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization and mild gastrointestinal upset, typically after large ingestion. Discourage heavy grazing by pets and seek veterinary advice if a lot is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats curly parsley?

The ASPCA lists Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization and mild gastrointestinal upset, typically after large ingestion. Discourage heavy grazing by pets and seek veterinary advice if a lot is eaten. 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 curly parsley.

What should I do if my cat ate curly parsley?

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 curly parsley toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to curly parsley?

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 curly parsley pet-safety