Is Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' toxic to cats?

Yes — glyceria maxima 'variegata' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Glyceria maxima is cyanogenic — its young vegetative shoots can accumulate hydrocyanic acid and the plant is documented to have caused fatal cyanide poisoning in grazing livestock. Though not individually profiled on the ASPCA database, the recognised cyanogenic toxic principle makes it unsafe; keep cats, dogs and grazing animals from chewing it and consult a vet if ingestion is suspected (signs of cyanide poisoning include drooling, rapid breathing, weakness and collapse).

Glyceria maxima is cyanogenic — its young vegetative shoots can accumulate hydrocyanic acid and the plant is documented to have caused fatal cyanide poisoning in grazing livestock. Though not individually profiled on the ASPCA database, the recognised cyanogenic toxic principle makes it unsafe; keep cats, dogs and grazing animals from chewing it and consult a vet if ingestion is suspected (signs of cyanide poisoning include drooling, rapid breathing, weakness and collapse). 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 glyceria maxima 'variegata'.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full glyceria maxima 'variegata' pet-safety guide for both species.

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.