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Pet safety

Is Red-veined Sorrel toxic to cats?

Rumex sanguineus

Toxic to cats

Yes — red-veined sorrel is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Dock and Sorrel (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which includes Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation, tremors, and rarely kidney failure. Keep grazing pets away from the foliage.

What to do if your cat ate red-veined sorrel

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

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

Is red-veined sorrel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red-veined sorrel toxic to cats?

Yes — red-veined sorrel is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Dock and Sorrel (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which includes Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation, tremors, and rarely kidney failure. Keep grazing pets away from the foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red-veined sorrel?

The ASPCA lists Dock and Sorrel (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which includes Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation, tremors, and rarely kidney failure. Keep grazing pets away from the foliage. 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 red-veined sorrel.

What should I do if my cat ate red-veined sorrel?

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 red-veined sorrel toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red-veined Sorrel is toxic to dogs as well. See the full red-veined sorrel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to red-veined sorrel?

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 red-veined sorrel pet-safety