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Is Field Horsetail toxic to cats?

Equisetum arvense

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists field horsetail 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. Equisetum arvense contains thiaminase and horse-toxic alkaloids (equisetine). Significant ingestion — especially by horses and livestock — causes thiamine deficiency, leading to neurological signs. For dogs and cats, mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion. The ASPCA does not individually list E. arvense but veterinary sources treat the genus as moderately toxic. Herbal preparations for human use are regulated supplements; avoid long-term unsupervised human use (diuretic effect, potential kidney irritation). Always consult a qualified herbalist.

What to do if your cat ate field horsetail

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

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

Is field horsetail toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is field horsetail toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists field horsetail 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. Equisetum arvense contains thiaminase and horse-toxic alkaloids (equisetine). Significant ingestion — especially by horses and livestock — causes thiamine deficiency, leading to neurological signs. For dogs and cats, mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion. The ASPCA does not individually list E. arvense but veterinary sources treat the genus as moderately toxic. Herbal preparations for human use are regulated supplements; avoid long-term unsupervised human use (diuretic effect, potential kidney irritation). Always consult a qualified herbalist.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats field horsetail?

Equisetum arvense contains thiaminase and horse-toxic alkaloids (equisetine). Significant ingestion — especially by horses and livestock — causes thiamine deficiency, leading to neurological signs. For dogs and cats, mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion. The ASPCA does not individually list E. arvense but veterinary sources treat the genus as moderately toxic. Herbal preparations for human use are regulated supplements; avoid long-term unsupervised human use (diuretic effect, potential kidney irritation). Always consult a qualified herbalist. 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 field horsetail.

What should I do if my cat ate field horsetail?

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 field horsetail toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Field Horsetail is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full field horsetail pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to field horsetail?

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 field horsetail pet-safety