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Pet safety

Is Liquorice toxic to cats?

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists liquorice 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. Glycyrrhiza glabra is not listed as toxic by ASPCA for dogs or cats. However, glycyrrhizin, the key active compound in the root, can be harmful in large or repeated doses to both humans (causing pseudohyperaldosteronism — sodium retention, potassium loss, hypertension) and pets. Casual contact or small incidental ingestion is low-risk, but concentrated root preparations or large quantities should be kept away from pets, particularly those with cardiac or renal conditions.

What to do if your cat ate liquorice

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

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

Is liquorice toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is liquorice toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists liquorice 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. Glycyrrhiza glabra is not listed as toxic by ASPCA for dogs or cats. However, glycyrrhizin, the key active compound in the root, can be harmful in large or repeated doses to both humans (causing pseudohyperaldosteronism — sodium retention, potassium loss, hypertension) and pets. Casual contact or small incidental ingestion is low-risk, but concentrated root preparations or large quantities should be kept away from pets, particularly those with cardiac or renal conditions.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats liquorice?

Glycyrrhiza glabra is not listed as toxic by ASPCA for dogs or cats. However, glycyrrhizin, the key active compound in the root, can be harmful in large or repeated doses to both humans (causing pseudohyperaldosteronism — sodium retention, potassium loss, hypertension) and pets. Casual contact or small incidental ingestion is low-risk, but concentrated root preparations or large quantities should be kept away from pets, particularly those with cardiac or renal conditions. 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 liquorice.

What should I do if my cat ate liquorice?

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 liquorice toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to liquorice?

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 liquorice pet-safety