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Is Turnip 'Golden Ball' toxic to cats?

Brassica rapa var. rapa 'Golden Ball'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists turnip 'golden ball' 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. 'Golden Ball' is a Brassica rapa cultivar, which is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic; do not assume pet-safe and verify with a vet. Like all brassicas it contains glucosinolates and SMCO, linked in large or sustained quantities to thyroid (goitre), anaemia and gastrointestinal effects in grazing animals; small occasional amounts of cooked root are typically low-risk.

What to do if your cat ate turnip 'golden ball'

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

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

Is turnip 'golden ball' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is turnip 'golden ball' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists turnip 'golden ball' 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. 'Golden Ball' is a Brassica rapa cultivar, which is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic; do not assume pet-safe and verify with a vet. Like all brassicas it contains glucosinolates and SMCO, linked in large or sustained quantities to thyroid (goitre), anaemia and gastrointestinal effects in grazing animals; small occasional amounts of cooked root are typically low-risk.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats turnip 'golden ball'?

'Golden Ball' is a Brassica rapa cultivar, which is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic; do not assume pet-safe and verify with a vet. Like all brassicas it contains glucosinolates and SMCO, linked in large or sustained quantities to thyroid (goitre), anaemia and gastrointestinal effects in grazing animals; small occasional amounts of cooked root are typically low-risk. 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 turnip 'golden ball'.

What should I do if my cat ate turnip 'golden ball'?

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 turnip 'golden ball' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Turnip 'Golden Ball' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full turnip 'golden ball' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to turnip 'golden ball'?

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 turnip 'golden ball' pet-safety