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Is Pillwort toxic to cats?

Pilularia globulifera

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pillwort 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. Pilularia globulifera is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related Marsilea genus is confirmed non-toxic by ASPCA, but Pilularia itself has not been evaluated. Contains thiaminase (an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1) in common with some other members of Marsileaceae, which can be harmful to livestock consuming large quantities. As a precaution, classify as mildly-toxic and prevent pets from grazing on this plant.

What to do if your cat ate pillwort

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

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

Is pillwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pillwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pillwort 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. Pilularia globulifera is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related Marsilea genus is confirmed non-toxic by ASPCA, but Pilularia itself has not been evaluated. Contains thiaminase (an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1) in common with some other members of Marsileaceae, which can be harmful to livestock consuming large quantities. As a precaution, classify as mildly-toxic and prevent pets from grazing on this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pillwort?

Pilularia globulifera is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related Marsilea genus is confirmed non-toxic by ASPCA, but Pilularia itself has not been evaluated. Contains thiaminase (an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1) in common with some other members of Marsileaceae, which can be harmful to livestock consuming large quantities. As a precaution, classify as mildly-toxic and prevent pets from grazing on this plant. 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 pillwort.

What should I do if my cat ate pillwort?

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 pillwort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pillwort?

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 pillwort pet-safety