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Pet safety

Is Flat-Leaf Parsley toxic to cats?

Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum

Toxic to cats

Yes — flat-leaf 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 (dermatitis, sunburn) and mild GI upset, generally requiring large ingestion. Keep pets from grazing large amounts and consult a vet on exposure.

What to do if your cat ate flat-leaf parsley

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

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

Is flat-leaf parsley toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is flat-leaf parsley toxic to cats?

Yes — flat-leaf 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 (dermatitis, sunburn) and mild GI upset, generally requiring large ingestion. Keep pets from grazing large amounts and consult a vet on exposure.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats flat-leaf parsley?

The ASPCA lists Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitization (dermatitis, sunburn) and mild GI upset, generally requiring large ingestion. Keep pets from grazing large amounts and consult a vet on exposure. 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 flat-leaf parsley.

What should I do if my cat ate flat-leaf 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 flat-leaf parsley toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to flat-leaf 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 flat-leaf parsley pet-safety