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Pet safety

Is Parsnip toxic to cats?

Pastinaca sativa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsnip 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. Parsnip foliage contains furocoumarins that cause phytophotodermatitis (skin burns in sunlight) — affects people and pets that brush against wet foliage in sun.

What to do if your cat ate parsnip

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

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

Is parsnip toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is parsnip toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsnip 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. Parsnip foliage contains furocoumarins that cause phytophotodermatitis (skin burns in sunlight) — affects people and pets that brush against wet foliage in sun.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats parsnip?

Parsnip foliage contains furocoumarins that cause phytophotodermatitis (skin burns in sunlight) — affects people and pets that brush against wet foliage in sun. 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 parsnip.

What should I do if my cat ate parsnip?

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 parsnip toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to parsnip?

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 parsnip pet-safety