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Is Large Bitter-cress toxic to cats?

Cardamine amara

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists large bitter-cress 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 listed by the ASPCA. Like other Brassicaceae, this species contains glucosinolates that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) in cats and dogs if consumed in quantity; classified here as mildly-toxic on a precautionary basis. Consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate large bitter-cress

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move large bitter-cress 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 large bitter-cress to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is large bitter-cress toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is large bitter-cress toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists large bitter-cress 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 listed by the ASPCA. Like other Brassicaceae, this species contains glucosinolates that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) in cats and dogs if consumed in quantity; classified here as mildly-toxic on a precautionary basis. Consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats large bitter-cress?

Not listed by the ASPCA. Like other Brassicaceae, this species contains glucosinolates that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) in cats and dogs if consumed in quantity; classified here as mildly-toxic on a precautionary basis. 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 large bitter-cress.

What should I do if my cat ate large bitter-cress?

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 large bitter-cress toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Large Bitter-cress is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full large bitter-cress pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to large bitter-cress?

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 large bitter-cress pet-safety