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Is Four-Wing Saltbush toxic to cats?

Atriplex canescens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists four-wing saltbush 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. Atriplex canescens is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and PFAF notes no broad toxins in the Atriplex genus. However, leaves are notably high in soluble oxalates and saponins; large quantities consumed raw can cause digestive upset and, at very high intake, oxalate-related kidney stress in pets and livestock. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What to do if your cat ate four-wing saltbush

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

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

Is four-wing saltbush toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is four-wing saltbush toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists four-wing saltbush 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. Atriplex canescens is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and PFAF notes no broad toxins in the Atriplex genus. However, leaves are notably high in soluble oxalates and saponins; large quantities consumed raw can cause digestive upset and, at very high intake, oxalate-related kidney stress in pets and livestock. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats four-wing saltbush?

Atriplex canescens is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and PFAF notes no broad toxins in the Atriplex genus. However, leaves are notably high in soluble oxalates and saponins; large quantities consumed raw can cause digestive upset and, at very high intake, oxalate-related kidney stress in pets and livestock. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution. 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 four-wing saltbush.

What should I do if my cat ate four-wing saltbush?

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 four-wing saltbush toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Four-Wing Saltbush is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full four-wing saltbush pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to four-wing saltbush?

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 four-wing saltbush pet-safety