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Is Rutabaga 'American Purple Top' toxic to cats?

Brassica napus var. napobrassica 'American Purple Top'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rutabaga 'american purple top' 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. Rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list. As a brassica, its foliage contains glucosinolates that can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large amounts, may interfere with thyroid function in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe status.

What to do if your cat ate rutabaga 'american purple top'

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move rutabaga 'american purple top' 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 rutabaga 'american purple top' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is rutabaga 'american purple top' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rutabaga 'american purple top' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rutabaga 'american purple top' 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. Rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list. As a brassica, its foliage contains glucosinolates that can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large amounts, may interfere with thyroid function in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe status.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rutabaga 'american purple top'?

Rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list. As a brassica, its foliage contains glucosinolates that can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large amounts, may interfere with thyroid function in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe status. 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 rutabaga 'american purple top'.

What should I do if my cat ate rutabaga 'american purple top'?

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 rutabaga 'american purple top' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rutabaga 'American Purple Top' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full rutabaga 'american purple top' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to rutabaga 'american purple top'?

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 rutabaga 'american purple top' pet-safety