Pet safety
Is Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass toxic to cats?
Phalaris arundinacea 'Strawberries and Cream'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists strawberries and cream 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 and its cultivars are 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 responsible for 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium accumulation in grazing livestock; household pets are unlikely to consume a toxic dose, but large ingestions are best avoided and any signs of illness checked with a vet.
What to do if your cat ate strawberries and cream ribbon grass
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move strawberries and cream ribbon grass out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of strawberries and cream ribbon grass to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten strawberries and cream ribbon grass, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is strawberries and cream ribbon grass toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is strawberries and cream ribbon grass toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists strawberries and cream 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 and its cultivars are 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 responsible for 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium accumulation in grazing livestock; household pets are unlikely to consume a toxic dose, but large ingestions are best avoided and any signs of illness checked with a vet.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats strawberries and cream ribbon grass?
Phalaris arundinacea and its cultivars are 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 responsible for 'Phalaris staggers' and selenium accumulation in grazing livestock; household pets are unlikely to consume a toxic dose, but large ingestions are best avoided and any signs of illness 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 strawberries and cream ribbon grass.
What should I do if my cat ate strawberries and cream 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 strawberries and cream ribbon grass toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full strawberries and cream ribbon grass pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to strawberries and cream 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 strawberries and cream ribbon grass pet-safety
- Is strawberries and cream ribbon grass toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is strawberries and cream ribbon grass toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate strawberries and cream ribbon grass — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete strawberries and cream ribbon grass care guide