Is Phragmites australis toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists phragmites australis 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. Phragmites australis is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its toxicity status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The sharp-edged leaves and stiff canes pose a mechanical and grass-awn injury risk, and ingested fibrous foliage can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs.

Phragmites australis is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its toxicity status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The sharp-edged leaves and stiff canes pose a mechanical and grass-awn injury risk, and ingested fibrous foliage can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. 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 phragmites australis.

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: Phragmites australis is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full phragmites australis 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.