Is Menyanthes trifoliata toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists menyanthes trifoliata 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. Menyanthes trifoliata is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, so a formal pet rating is not established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The plant is very bitter (it contains bitter glycosides and has a history of medicinal/herbal use) and is not assumed pet-safe; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Menyanthes trifoliata is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, so a formal pet rating is not established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The plant is very bitter (it contains bitter glycosides and has a history of medicinal/herbal use) and is not assumed pet-safe; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset. 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 menyanthes trifoliata.

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: Menyanthes trifoliata is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full menyanthes trifoliata 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.