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Pet safety

Is Ribbon Grass toxic to cats?

Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ribbon 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. Phalaris arundinacea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe status cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The species contains tryptamine and gramine alkaloids that cause 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium toxicity in grazing livestock; while household pets are unlikely to eat enough to be poisoned, ingestion of large amounts is best avoided and any signs of distress checked with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate ribbon grass

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

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

Is ribbon grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ribbon grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ribbon 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. Phalaris arundinacea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe status cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The species contains tryptamine and gramine alkaloids that cause 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium toxicity in grazing livestock; while household pets are unlikely to eat enough to be poisoned, ingestion of large amounts is best avoided and any signs of distress checked with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ribbon grass?

Phalaris arundinacea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe status cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The species contains tryptamine and gramine alkaloids that cause 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium toxicity in grazing livestock; while household pets are unlikely to eat enough to be poisoned, ingestion of large amounts is best avoided and any signs of distress checked 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 ribbon grass.

What should I do if my cat ate ribbon 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 ribbon grass toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to ribbon 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 ribbon grass pet-safety