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Pet safety

Is Rattail Radish toxic to cats?

Raphanus sativus var. caudatus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rattail radish 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. Raphanus sativus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Radish foliage and pods contain glucosinolates/isothiocyanates that can cause gastrointestinal upset, gas and drooling in cats and dogs if eaten in quantity. Not confirmed safe — treat with caution and verify with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate rattail radish

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move rattail radish 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of rattail radish to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten rattail radish, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is rattail radish toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rattail radish toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rattail radish 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. Raphanus sativus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Radish foliage and pods contain glucosinolates/isothiocyanates that can cause gastrointestinal upset, gas and drooling in cats and dogs if eaten in quantity. Not confirmed safe — treat with caution and verify with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rattail radish?

Raphanus sativus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Radish foliage and pods contain glucosinolates/isothiocyanates that can cause gastrointestinal upset, gas and drooling in cats and dogs if eaten in quantity. Not confirmed safe — treat with caution and verify with a vet. 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 rattail radish.

What should I do if my cat ate rattail radish?

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is rattail radish toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rattail radish?

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.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

Full rattail radish pet-safety

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