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Pet safety

Is Sea Mouse-ear toxic to cats?

Cerastium diffusum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sea mouse-ear 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. Cerastium diffusum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Caryophyllaceae, it is not a known toxicological risk, but the absence of an official non-toxic listing means a 'mildly-toxic' classification is the precautionary default; consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate sea mouse-ear

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

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

Is sea mouse-ear toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sea mouse-ear toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sea mouse-ear 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. Cerastium diffusum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Caryophyllaceae, it is not a known toxicological risk, but the absence of an official non-toxic listing means a 'mildly-toxic' classification is the precautionary default; consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sea mouse-ear?

Cerastium diffusum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Caryophyllaceae, it is not a known toxicological risk, but the absence of an official non-toxic listing means a 'mildly-toxic' classification is the precautionary default; consult a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 sea mouse-ear.

What should I do if my cat ate sea mouse-ear?

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 sea mouse-ear toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sea Mouse-ear is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full sea mouse-ear pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to sea mouse-ear?

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 sea mouse-ear pet-safety