Is Pak Choi 'Joi Choi' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pak choi 'joi choi' 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. Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and goitrogenic compounds, and large amounts can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in cats and dogs, so offer only small quantities.

Brassica rapa vegetables are not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Brassicas contain isothiocyanates and goitrogenic compounds, and large amounts can cause gas, GI upset, or thyroid effects in cats and dogs, so offer only small quantities. 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 pak choi 'joi choi'.

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: Pak Choi 'Joi Choi' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full pak choi 'joi choi' 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.