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Is Sugarcane Plume Grass toxic to cats?

Erianthus alopecuroides

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sugarcane plume 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. Erianthus alopecuroides is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a non-toxic claim cannot be made with confidence; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As with other plume grasses the realistic risk is physical rather than chemical, from sharp leaf edges and fine flower awns that can irritate a pet's mouth, eyes or paws.

What to do if your cat ate sugarcane plume grass

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

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

Is sugarcane plume grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sugarcane plume grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sugarcane plume 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. Erianthus alopecuroides is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a non-toxic claim cannot be made with confidence; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As with other plume grasses the realistic risk is physical rather than chemical, from sharp leaf edges and fine flower awns that can irritate a pet's mouth, eyes or paws.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sugarcane plume grass?

Erianthus alopecuroides is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a non-toxic claim cannot be made with confidence; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As with other plume grasses the realistic risk is physical rather than chemical, from sharp leaf edges and fine flower awns that can irritate a pet's mouth, eyes or paws. 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 sugarcane plume grass.

What should I do if my cat ate sugarcane plume 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 sugarcane plume grass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sugarcane Plume Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full sugarcane plume grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to sugarcane plume 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 sugarcane plume grass pet-safety