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Is Glasswort toxic to cats?

Salicornia europaea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists glasswort 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. Salicornia europaea is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs, and the young shoots are widely eaten by humans. However, the extremely high sodium content can cause salt toxicity, vomiting, and diarrhoea in dogs and cats if consumed in any significant quantity; treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate glasswort

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

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

Is glasswort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is glasswort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists glasswort 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. Salicornia europaea is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs, and the young shoots are widely eaten by humans. However, the extremely high sodium content can cause salt toxicity, vomiting, and diarrhoea in dogs and cats if consumed in any significant quantity; treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats glasswort?

Salicornia europaea is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs, and the young shoots are widely eaten by humans. However, the extremely high sodium content can cause salt toxicity, vomiting, and diarrhoea in dogs and cats if consumed in any significant quantity; treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach of pets. 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 glasswort.

What should I do if my cat ate glasswort?

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 glasswort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to glasswort?

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 glasswort pet-safety