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Pet safety

Is Curly Waterweed toxic to cats?

Lagarosiphon major

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists curly waterweed 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. Lagarosiphon major is not listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxicity data is available for this species; classified mildly-toxic as a precaution. Note: it is classified as an invasive species in multiple countries — check local regulations before introduction to outdoor water bodies.

What to do if your cat ate curly waterweed

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

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

Is curly waterweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is curly waterweed toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists curly waterweed 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. Lagarosiphon major is not listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxicity data is available for this species; classified mildly-toxic as a precaution. Note: it is classified as an invasive species in multiple countries — check local regulations before introduction to outdoor water bodies.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats curly waterweed?

Lagarosiphon major is not listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxicity data is available for this species; classified mildly-toxic as a precaution. Note: it is classified as an invasive species in multiple countries — check local regulations before introduction to outdoor water bodies. 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 curly waterweed.

What should I do if my cat ate curly waterweed?

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 curly waterweed toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to curly waterweed?

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 curly waterweed pet-safety