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Pet safety

Is Joseph's coat toxic to cats?

Amaranthus tricolor

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists joseph's coat 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. Amaranthus tricolor is widely eaten as a leaf vegetable by humans, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. Ornamental Amaranthus contains oxalates and nitrates that may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets with significant ingestion, and large quantities can be harmful to livestock. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic to pets and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate joseph's coat

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

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

Is joseph's coat toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is joseph's coat toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists joseph's coat 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. Amaranthus tricolor is widely eaten as a leaf vegetable by humans, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. Ornamental Amaranthus contains oxalates and nitrates that may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets with significant ingestion, and large quantities can be harmful to livestock. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic to pets and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats joseph's coat?

Amaranthus tricolor is widely eaten as a leaf vegetable by humans, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. Ornamental Amaranthus contains oxalates and nitrates that may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets with significant ingestion, and large quantities can be harmful to livestock. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic to pets and contact 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 joseph's coat.

What should I do if my cat ate joseph's coat?

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 joseph's coat toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Joseph's coat is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full joseph's coat pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to joseph's coat?

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 joseph's coat pet-safety