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Is Purple Choy Sum toxic to cats?

Brassica rapa var. parachinensis 'Purple'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple choy sum 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. ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, with thiocyanate risk from large repeated quantities, especially in cats. Keep away from horses; check with a vet if a pet is unwell.

What to do if your cat ate purple choy sum

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

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

Is purple choy sum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is purple choy sum toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple choy sum 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. ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, with thiocyanate risk from large repeated quantities, especially in cats. Keep away from horses; check with a vet if a pet is unwell.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats purple choy sum?

ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, with thiocyanate risk from large repeated quantities, especially in cats. Keep away from horses; check with a vet if a pet is unwell. 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 purple choy sum.

What should I do if my cat ate purple choy sum?

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 purple choy sum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple Choy Sum is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full purple choy sum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to purple choy sum?

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 purple choy sum pet-safety