Is Marshmallow toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists marshmallow 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. Marshmallow is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a verified pet-safe status cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is a traditional mucilaginous herb with no notable toxic principle, but large ingestion of any plant can cause vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and the mucilage may slow absorption of oral medications.

Marshmallow is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a verified pet-safe status cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is a traditional mucilaginous herb with no notable toxic principle, but large ingestion of any plant can cause vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and the mucilage may slow absorption of oral medications. 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 marshmallow.

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.

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

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.