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Is Pony Tails Grass toxic to cats?

Stipa tenuissima

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pony tails grass 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. Stipa tenuissima (Nassella tenuissima) is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: ingested grass can cause mild vomiting or stomach upset, and the fine flowering awns may lodge in the mouth or coat.

What to do if your cat ate pony tails grass

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

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

Is pony tails grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pony tails grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pony tails grass 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. Stipa tenuissima (Nassella tenuissima) is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: ingested grass can cause mild vomiting or stomach upset, and the fine flowering awns may lodge in the mouth or coat.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pony tails grass?

Stipa tenuissima (Nassella tenuissima) is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: ingested grass can cause mild vomiting or stomach upset, and the fine flowering awns may lodge in the mouth or coat. 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 pony tails grass.

What should I do if my cat ate pony tails grass?

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 pony tails grass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pony Tails Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full pony tails grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to pony tails grass?

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 pony tails grass pet-safety