Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Tussock Needlegrass toxic to cats?

Nassella cernua

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tussock needlegrass 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. Nassella cernua is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses are generally low-risk, but the sharp needle-like awns on seed heads can cause mechanical injury (skin puncture, eye or mouth irritation) to pets and children. Classify as mildly-toxic due to physical hazard.

What to do if your cat ate tussock needlegrass

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

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

Is tussock needlegrass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tussock needlegrass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tussock needlegrass 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. Nassella cernua is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses are generally low-risk, but the sharp needle-like awns on seed heads can cause mechanical injury (skin puncture, eye or mouth irritation) to pets and children. Classify as mildly-toxic due to physical hazard.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tussock needlegrass?

Nassella cernua is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses are generally low-risk, but the sharp needle-like awns on seed heads can cause mechanical injury (skin puncture, eye or mouth irritation) to pets and children. Classify as mildly-toxic due to physical hazard. 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 tussock needlegrass.

What should I do if my cat ate tussock needlegrass?

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 tussock needlegrass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tussock Needlegrass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full tussock needlegrass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tussock needlegrass?

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 tussock needlegrass pet-safety