Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Old Man Saltbush toxic to cats?

Atriplex nummularia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists old man saltbush 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. Atriplex nummularia is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and PFAF records no specific toxins in the Atriplex genus. However, the leaves have significant soluble oxalate content; ingestion of large raw quantities can cause digestive upset and poses an oxalate toxicity risk to pets and livestock at high intake. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What to do if your cat ate old man saltbush

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

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

Is old man saltbush toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is old man saltbush toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists old man saltbush 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. Atriplex nummularia is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and PFAF records no specific toxins in the Atriplex genus. However, the leaves have significant soluble oxalate content; ingestion of large raw quantities can cause digestive upset and poses an oxalate toxicity risk to pets and livestock at high intake. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats old man saltbush?

Atriplex nummularia is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and PFAF records no specific toxins in the Atriplex genus. However, the leaves have significant soluble oxalate content; ingestion of large raw quantities can cause digestive upset and poses an oxalate toxicity risk to pets and livestock at high intake. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution. 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 old man saltbush.

What should I do if my cat ate old man saltbush?

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 old man saltbush toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Old Man Saltbush is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full old man saltbush pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to old man saltbush?

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 old man saltbush pet-safety