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Pet safety

Is Lamb's Quarters toxic to cats?

Chenopodium album

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lamb's quarters 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Chenopodium album contains soluble oxalates and saponins which can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats if consumed in large amounts. Cooked greens significantly reduce oxalate levels.

What to do if your cat ate lamb's quarters

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

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

Is lamb's quarters toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lamb's quarters toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lamb's quarters 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Chenopodium album contains soluble oxalates and saponins which can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats if consumed in large amounts. Cooked greens significantly reduce oxalate levels.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lamb's quarters?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Chenopodium album contains soluble oxalates and saponins which can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats if consumed in large amounts. Cooked greens significantly reduce oxalate levels. 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 lamb's quarters.

What should I do if my cat ate lamb's quarters?

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 lamb's quarters toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lamb's quarters?

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 lamb's quarters pet-safety