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Pet safety

Is Wasabi toxic to cats?

Eutrema japonicum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wasabi 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. Eutrema japonicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Brassicaceae member it contains pungent glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates (the source of its heat) that can irritate a pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract and cause drooling or vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What to do if your cat ate wasabi

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

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

Is wasabi toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wasabi toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wasabi 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. Eutrema japonicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Brassicaceae member it contains pungent glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates (the source of its heat) that can irritate a pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract and cause drooling or vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wasabi?

Eutrema japonicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Brassicaceae member it contains pungent glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates (the source of its heat) that can irritate a pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract and cause drooling or vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. 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 wasabi.

What should I do if my cat ate wasabi?

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 wasabi toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to wasabi?

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 wasabi pet-safety