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Is Mary Washington Asparagus toxic to cats?

Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mary washington asparagus 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. The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms.

What to do if your cat ate mary washington asparagus

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

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

Is mary washington asparagus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mary washington asparagus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mary washington asparagus 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. The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mary washington asparagus?

The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms. 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 mary washington asparagus.

What should I do if my cat ate mary washington asparagus?

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 mary washington asparagus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mary Washington Asparagus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full mary washington asparagus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to mary washington asparagus?

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 mary washington asparagus pet-safety