Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Dwarf Pampas Grass toxic to cats?

Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dwarf pampas grass 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. Cortaderia selloana is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but the very sharp, serrated leaf edges pose a significant physical hazard to pets and children (cuts to the mouth and skin). The foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Handle with thick gloves when cutting back.

What to do if your cat ate dwarf pampas grass

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

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

Is dwarf pampas grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dwarf pampas grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dwarf pampas grass 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. Cortaderia selloana is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but the very sharp, serrated leaf edges pose a significant physical hazard to pets and children (cuts to the mouth and skin). The foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Handle with thick gloves when cutting back.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dwarf pampas grass?

Cortaderia selloana is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but the very sharp, serrated leaf edges pose a significant physical hazard to pets and children (cuts to the mouth and skin). The foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Handle with thick gloves when cutting back. 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 dwarf pampas grass.

What should I do if my cat ate dwarf pampas grass?

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 dwarf pampas grass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dwarf Pampas Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full dwarf pampas grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dwarf pampas grass?

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 dwarf pampas grass pet-safety