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Pet safety

Is Dwarf Water Clover toxic to cats?

Marsilea minuta

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dwarf water clover 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. Marsilea minuta is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Marsilea species are documented to contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1. Risk to cats and dogs from casual nibbling is likely low, but significant ingestion could potentially cause thiamine deficiency. Treat with caution and keep out of reach of pets that graze on aquarium plants.

What to do if your cat ate dwarf water clover

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

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

Is dwarf water clover toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dwarf water clover toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dwarf water clover 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. Marsilea minuta is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Marsilea species are documented to contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1. Risk to cats and dogs from casual nibbling is likely low, but significant ingestion could potentially cause thiamine deficiency. Treat with caution and keep out of reach of pets that graze on aquarium plants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dwarf water clover?

Marsilea minuta is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Marsilea species are documented to contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1. Risk to cats and dogs from casual nibbling is likely low, but significant ingestion could potentially cause thiamine deficiency. Treat with caution and keep out of reach of pets that graze on aquarium plants. 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 water clover.

What should I do if my cat ate dwarf water clover?

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 water clover toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dwarf Water Clover is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full dwarf water clover pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dwarf water clover?

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 water clover pet-safety