Spring Parsley — (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo by (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA
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

Cats

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

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.

Catsconcern 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

Cats & dogs pagedogs pageMy cat ate Spring Parsley

Same cat verdict

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