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Is Navelwort toxic to cats?

Umbilicus rupestris

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists navelwort 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. Umbilicus rupestris is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Historically it has been used in folk medicine as a topical herb, but the leaves contain compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Treat with caution around pets and children; not considered severely toxic.

What to do if your cat ate navelwort

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

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

Is navelwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is navelwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists navelwort 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. Umbilicus rupestris is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Historically it has been used in folk medicine as a topical herb, but the leaves contain compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Treat with caution around pets and children; not considered severely toxic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats navelwort?

Umbilicus rupestris is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Historically it has been used in folk medicine as a topical herb, but the leaves contain compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Treat with caution around pets and children; not considered severely toxic. 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 navelwort.

What should I do if my cat ate navelwort?

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 navelwort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to navelwort?

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 navelwort pet-safety