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Pet safety

Is Sweet Flag toxic to cats?

Acorus calamus

Toxic to cats

Yes — sweet flag is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Acorus calamus is toxic to pets. The foliage and rhizome contain β-asarone (and related alkenylbenzenes), which is potentially carcinogenic and can cause vomiting and, in dogs, seizures on ingestion. While Acorus is not on the named ASPCA list, multiple toxicology sources document its toxic principle, so it should be kept away from cats, dogs and children; contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate sweet flag

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

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

Is sweet flag toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sweet flag toxic to cats?

Yes — sweet flag is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Acorus calamus is toxic to pets. The foliage and rhizome contain β-asarone (and related alkenylbenzenes), which is potentially carcinogenic and can cause vomiting and, in dogs, seizures on ingestion. While Acorus is not on the named ASPCA list, multiple toxicology sources document its toxic principle, so it should be kept away from cats, dogs and children; contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sweet flag?

Acorus calamus is toxic to pets. The foliage and rhizome contain β-asarone (and related alkenylbenzenes), which is potentially carcinogenic and can cause vomiting and, in dogs, seizures on ingestion. While Acorus is not on the named ASPCA list, multiple toxicology sources document its toxic principle, so it should be kept away from cats, dogs and children; contact a vet if any part is eaten. 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 sweet flag.

What should I do if my cat ate sweet flag?

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 sweet flag toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sweet Flag is toxic to dogs as well. See the full sweet flag pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to sweet flag?

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 sweet flag pet-safety