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Is Hairy Water Clover toxic to cats?

Marsilea hirsuta

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hairy water clover 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. Marsilea hirsuta is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Marsilea genus contains thiaminase (vitamin B1-destroying enzyme) documented in related species. Significant ingestion by pets could theoretically cause thiamine deficiency, though the risk from incidental nibbling is low. Keep out of reach of pets that browse aquarium plants; consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate hairy water clover

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

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

Is hairy water clover toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hairy water clover toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hairy water clover 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. Marsilea hirsuta is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Marsilea genus contains thiaminase (vitamin B1-destroying enzyme) documented in related species. Significant ingestion by pets could theoretically cause thiamine deficiency, though the risk from incidental nibbling is low. Keep out of reach of pets that browse aquarium plants; consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hairy water clover?

Marsilea hirsuta is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Marsilea genus contains thiaminase (vitamin B1-destroying enzyme) documented in related species. Significant ingestion by pets could theoretically cause thiamine deficiency, though the risk from incidental nibbling is low. Keep out of reach of pets that browse aquarium plants; consult a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 hairy water clover.

What should I do if my cat ate hairy water clover?

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 hairy water clover toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hairy Water Clover is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full hairy water clover pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hairy water clover?

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 hairy water clover pet-safety