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 Watercress safe for cats?
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
What this means for your cat
Cats — toxic, but mildly. ASPCA lists watercress (Nasturtium officinale) as toxic to cats; the toxic principles are gastrointestinal irritants and the typical reaction is GI upset rather than systemic poisoning. Cats rarely seek out the bitter peppery foliage, so most exposures are incidental — a houseplant brushed past, or a cat investigating a salad bowl.
What to watch for
ASPCA lists mild vomiting and diarrhea. Drooling and lip-smacking from the bitter, peppery taste are common. Larger ingestions can produce more pronounced GI signs and dehydration.
Time window
GI signs typically appear within hours of ingestion; mild cases generally resolve within 24–48 hours. Exact onset and duration are not detailed in the ASPCA listing.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting or diarrhea persists more than a few hours, your cat refuses food or water, or signs worsen rather than improve. For a single nibble in an otherwise well cat, monitoring is usually enough.
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
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.
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
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Official botanical record for Nasturtium officinale R.Br.
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