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Pet safety

Is Mashua toxic to cats?

Tropaeolum tuberosum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mashua 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. Mashua tubers contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (similar to mustard and horseradish), which are mildly irritating and in large quantities can suppress thyroid function. Cooked tubers lose much of their pungency and are traditionally consumed as food in the Andes. Not individually assessed by ASPCA for pets; owing to glucosinolate content, keep raw tubers away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate mashua

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

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

Is mashua toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mashua toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mashua 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. Mashua tubers contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (similar to mustard and horseradish), which are mildly irritating and in large quantities can suppress thyroid function. Cooked tubers lose much of their pungency and are traditionally consumed as food in the Andes. Not individually assessed by ASPCA for pets; owing to glucosinolate content, keep raw tubers away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mashua?

Mashua tubers contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (similar to mustard and horseradish), which are mildly irritating and in large quantities can suppress thyroid function. Cooked tubers lose much of their pungency and are traditionally consumed as food in the Andes. Not individually assessed by ASPCA for pets; owing to glucosinolate content, keep raw tubers away from pets and children. 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 mashua.

What should I do if my cat ate mashua?

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 mashua toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to mashua?

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 mashua pet-safety