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Pet safety

Is Toothpick plant toxic to cats?

Ammi visnaga

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists toothpick plant 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. Ammi visnaga contains furanocoumarins (including khellin and visnagin) and other bioactive compounds used medicinally at controlled doses but toxic in excess. Like Ammi majus, sap contact combined with sunlight can cause phytophotodermatitis. The ASPCA does not individually list this species; handle with gloves and keep pets from consuming significant quantities.

What to do if your cat ate toothpick plant

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

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

Is toothpick plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is toothpick plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists toothpick plant 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. Ammi visnaga contains furanocoumarins (including khellin and visnagin) and other bioactive compounds used medicinally at controlled doses but toxic in excess. Like Ammi majus, sap contact combined with sunlight can cause phytophotodermatitis. The ASPCA does not individually list this species; handle with gloves and keep pets from consuming significant quantities.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats toothpick plant?

Ammi visnaga contains furanocoumarins (including khellin and visnagin) and other bioactive compounds used medicinally at controlled doses but toxic in excess. Like Ammi majus, sap contact combined with sunlight can cause phytophotodermatitis. The ASPCA does not individually list this species; handle with gloves and keep pets from consuming significant quantities. 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 toothpick plant.

What should I do if my cat ate toothpick plant?

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 toothpick plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Toothpick plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full toothpick plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to toothpick plant?

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 toothpick plant pet-safety