Pet safety
Is Japanese Blood Grass toxic to cats?
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese blood 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. Imperata cylindrica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingesting the coarse blades may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and chewing the rhizomes is best discouraged in pets.
What to do if your cat ate japanese blood grass
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move japanese blood grass out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of japanese blood grass to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten japanese blood grass, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is japanese blood grass toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is japanese blood grass toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese blood 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. Imperata cylindrica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingesting the coarse blades may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and chewing the rhizomes is best discouraged in pets.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese blood grass?
Imperata cylindrica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingesting the coarse blades may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and chewing the rhizomes is best discouraged in 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 japanese blood grass.
What should I do if my cat ate japanese blood 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 japanese blood grass toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Japanese Blood Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full japanese blood grass pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese blood 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 japanese blood grass pet-safety
- Is japanese blood grass toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is japanese blood grass toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate japanese blood grass — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete japanese blood grass care guide