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Is Giant Feather Grass toxic to cats?

Stipa gigantea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists giant feather 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. Stipa gigantea is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented for it. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: as with any ornamental grass, ingested plant material can cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and fine bristly seed awns may irritate the mouth or gut.

What to do if your cat ate giant feather grass

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

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

Is giant feather grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is giant feather grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists giant feather 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. Stipa gigantea is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented for it. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: as with any ornamental grass, ingested plant material can cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and fine bristly seed awns may irritate the mouth or gut.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats giant feather grass?

Stipa gigantea is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented for it. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: as with any ornamental grass, ingested plant material can cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and fine bristly seed awns may irritate the mouth or gut. 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 giant feather grass.

What should I do if my cat ate giant feather 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 giant feather grass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Giant Feather Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full giant feather grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to giant feather 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 giant feather grass pet-safety