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Is Variegated Giant Reed toxic to cats?

Arundo donax 'Variegata'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated giant reed 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. Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant's tissues contain silica crystals and potentially low levels of cyanogenic glucosides (as reported in some grass-family members); ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution and keep pets from chewing the canes.

What to do if your cat ate variegated giant reed

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

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

Is variegated giant reed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated giant reed toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated giant reed 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. Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant's tissues contain silica crystals and potentially low levels of cyanogenic glucosides (as reported in some grass-family members); ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution and keep pets from chewing the canes.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated giant reed?

Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant's tissues contain silica crystals and potentially low levels of cyanogenic glucosides (as reported in some grass-family members); ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution and keep pets from chewing the canes. 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 variegated giant reed.

What should I do if my cat ate variegated giant reed?

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 variegated giant reed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Giant Reed is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full variegated giant reed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated giant reed?

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 variegated giant reed pet-safety