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Is Silver Feather Grass toxic to cats?

Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists silver feather 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. Miscanthus sinensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses as a group are generally of low toxicity, but the fibrous blades can cause mechanical GI irritation and vomiting if ingested in quantity by cats or dogs. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate silver feather grass

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

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

Is silver feather grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is silver feather grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists silver feather 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. Miscanthus sinensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses as a group are generally of low toxicity, but the fibrous blades can cause mechanical GI irritation and vomiting if ingested in quantity by cats or dogs. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats silver feather grass?

Miscanthus sinensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses as a group are generally of low toxicity, but the fibrous blades can cause mechanical GI irritation and vomiting if ingested in quantity by cats or dogs. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. 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 silver feather grass.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to silver feather 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 silver feather grass pet-safety