Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Spring Parsley safe for cats?
Cymopterus watsonii
Spring Parsley is a low-growing perennial herb native to the western United States, often found in rocky, arid environments. It is considered toxic to pets if ingested and should be kept out of reach.
Cymopterus watsoniiSpring ParsleyWatson's spring parsley
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Low-growing herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: the danger is sun damage, not the GI tract. ASPCA lists furanocoumarins as the toxic principle, and the resulting injury is photosensitization — sunburn-like skin and eye damage triggered when an exposed cat goes outdoors after ingestion or contact.
What to watch for
ASPCA reports photosensitization presenting as sunburn and dermatitis. Watch lightly pigmented or thinly furred areas (nose, ear tips, eyelids) for redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling after possible exposure.
Time window
Specific onset and recovery timing are not documented in the ASPCA listing.
When to call the vet
Call when you see any sunburn-like reaction, blistering, eye irritation, or progressive skin damage following suspected exposure to the plant.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
Questions about Spring Parsley
Is Spring Parsley toxic to cats?
Yes, Spring Parsley (Cymopterus watsonii) is considered toxic to cats. If ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal distress, and ASPCA data also links it to photosensitization — a sunburn-like reaction affecting the skin.
What symptoms does Spring Parsley cause in cats?
Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Spring Parsley is also associated with photosensitization, which can present as redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling on lightly pigmented or thinly furred areas like the nose, ear tips, and eyelids.
What should I do if my cat ate Spring Parsley?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Monitor for vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and lethargy, and also watch exposed skin — especially the nose, ear tips, and eyelids — for any sunburn-like redness or blistering.
Which parts of a cat's body are most at risk from Spring Parsley exposure?
ASPCA data flags photosensitization as a concern, meaning skin damage is most likely to appear on areas with thin fur or light pigmentation — the nose, ear tips, and eyelids. Call your vet if you notice redness, blistering, eye irritation, or progressive skin damage after suspected exposure.
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