Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Narrow-leaved Water Plantain toxic to cats?

Alisma lanceolatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists narrow-leaved water plantain 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. Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Alisma species contain acrid, irritant compounds (alisols and proto-anemonin-like substances) that can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested raw. These substances are partly broken down on drying. As the ASPCA listing is absent and irritant compounds are documented in the genus, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Keep pets away from the foliage and roots.

What to do if your cat ate narrow-leaved water plantain

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move narrow-leaved water plantain 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 narrow-leaved water plantain to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is narrow-leaved water plantain toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is narrow-leaved water plantain toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists narrow-leaved water plantain 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. Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Alisma species contain acrid, irritant compounds (alisols and proto-anemonin-like substances) that can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested raw. These substances are partly broken down on drying. As the ASPCA listing is absent and irritant compounds are documented in the genus, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Keep pets away from the foliage and roots.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats narrow-leaved water plantain?

Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Alisma species contain acrid, irritant compounds (alisols and proto-anemonin-like substances) that can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested raw. These substances are partly broken down on drying. As the ASPCA listing is absent and irritant compounds are documented in the genus, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Keep pets away from the foliage and roots. 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 narrow-leaved water plantain.

What should I do if my cat ate narrow-leaved water plantain?

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 narrow-leaved water plantain toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Narrow-leaved Water Plantain is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full narrow-leaved water plantain pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to narrow-leaved water plantain?

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 narrow-leaved water plantain pet-safety