Cats & Dogs
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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
Nasturtium officinale is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant often grown for culinary use, but it can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets. It is distinct from the common garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus).
NasturtiumNasturtium officinaleWatercress
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Trailing or creeping
- Care
- High (requires constant moisture)
Safety status
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
Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential drooling.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat consumes a large amount or shows persistent symptoms.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to digestive irritation. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog exhibits signs of distress after eating 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
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Watercress is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Official botanical record for Nasturtium officinale R.Br.
Questions about Watercress
Is watercress toxic to cats?
Yes, watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is classified as potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. It is distinct from garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus).
What symptoms will my cat show after eating watercress?
The ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling as the primary symptoms. Lip-smacking from the plant's bitter, peppery taste is also common. Larger ingestions can produce more pronounced GI signs and dehydration.
What should I do if my cat ate watercress?
For a single small nibble in an otherwise well cat, monitor for vomiting or diarrhea — mild cases typically resolve within 24–48 hours. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea persists more than a few hours, your cat refuses food or water, or symptoms worsen.
How quickly do symptoms appear after a cat eats watercress?
GI signs typically appear within hours of ingestion. The ASPCA listing does not specify an exact onset window, but mild cases generally resolve within 24–48 hours. If symptoms are not improving by that point, contact your veterinarian.
Is watercress toxic to dogs?
Yes, watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation, so it's best to keep it out of your dog's reach even though it's commonly eaten by humans.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating watercress?
The documented symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Signs generally appear within a few hours of ingestion and typically resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care. Watch also for reduced appetite or lethargy in the hours after eating it.
What should I do if my dog ate watercress?
Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth and offer fresh water. Do not try to induce vomiting at home — doing so without professional guidance can cause more harm than good. Then call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
Is watercress the same as garden nasturtium, and are both dangerous to dogs?
No — watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an aquatic plant eaten as a salad green, while garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a flowering plant; they share a common name but are unrelated species. Both can cause digestive upset in dogs, so treat ingestion of either with the same caution.
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