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Is Riccia fluitans toxic to cats?

Riccia fluitans

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists riccia fluitans 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. Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and the genus Riccia has no established ASPCA classification; treat it with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe for pets that may eat aquarium plants.

What to do if your cat ate riccia fluitans

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

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

Is riccia fluitans toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is riccia fluitans toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists riccia fluitans 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. Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and the genus Riccia has no established ASPCA classification; treat it with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe for pets that may eat aquarium plants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats riccia fluitans?

Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and the genus Riccia has no established ASPCA classification; treat it with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe for pets that may eat aquarium plants. 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 riccia fluitans.

What should I do if my cat ate riccia fluitans?

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 riccia fluitans toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Riccia fluitans is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full riccia fluitans pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to riccia fluitans?

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 riccia fluitans pet-safety