Pet safety
Is Purple Fountain Grass toxic to cats?
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple fountain 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. Pennisetum setaceum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and the sterile cultivar 'Rubrum' is widely regarded as non-toxic; because there is no direct ASPCA listing, treat its safety as uncertain and confirm with a vet. The clearer hazard is mechanical — bristly, sharp-awned plumes and blades can irritate or lodge in pets, and eating grass can cause mild GI upset.
What to do if your cat ate purple fountain grass
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move purple fountain grass out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of purple fountain grass to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten purple fountain grass, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is purple fountain grass toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is purple fountain grass toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple fountain 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. Pennisetum setaceum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and the sterile cultivar 'Rubrum' is widely regarded as non-toxic; because there is no direct ASPCA listing, treat its safety as uncertain and confirm with a vet. The clearer hazard is mechanical — bristly, sharp-awned plumes and blades can irritate or lodge in pets, and eating grass can cause mild GI upset.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats purple fountain grass?
Pennisetum setaceum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and the sterile cultivar 'Rubrum' is widely regarded as non-toxic; because there is no direct ASPCA listing, treat its safety as uncertain and confirm with a vet. The clearer hazard is mechanical — bristly, sharp-awned plumes and blades can irritate or lodge in pets, and eating grass can cause mild GI upset. 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 fountain grass.
What should I do if my cat ate purple fountain 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 purple fountain grass toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple Fountain Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full purple fountain grass pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to purple fountain 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 purple fountain grass pet-safety
- Is purple fountain grass toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is purple fountain grass toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate purple fountain grass — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete purple fountain grass care guide