What should I do if my cat ate Parsley?

Remove any remaining parsley from reach, rinse the mouth gently with water, and limit your cat's sun exposure for the next 24-48 hours if you're concerned about photosensitization. Do not induce vomiting at home — Pet Poison Helpline cautions against unsupervised home emesis. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your cat ate a substantial amount of fresh parsley, or if you see persistent skin redness, blistering, or signs of pain in the day or two after exposure. A small chew of garnish-sized parsley typically doesn't require an emergency call.

What should I do if my dog ate Parsley?

Call your vet if your dog ate a large quantity, vomits repeatedly, refuses to eat, or develops red, irritated, or blistering skin after going outside. Sunburn-like lesions warrant a same-day appointment.

Parsley — (c) Vítor Jorge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Vítor Jorge — Photo by (c) Vítor Jorge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Vítor JorgeiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Vítor Jorge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Vítor JorgeiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Parsley

Q: Is Parsley safe for cats?

Parsley is potentially toxic to cats. Symptoms are generally mild but can be uncomfortable; contact your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of skin sensitivity or digestive distress.

Q: Is Parsley safe for dogs?

Parsley is potentially toxic to dogs. While rarely fatal, ingestion can lead to significant skin issues; consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed a large amount.

Petroselinum crispum

Parsley is a popular culinary herb that contains furanocoumarins and psoralens, which can cause photosensitivity in pets if ingested in large quantities. While commonly used in human cooking, it is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.

Check a list

Curly ParsleyGarden ParsleyParsleyPetroselinum crispum

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Herbaceous biennial
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

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.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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

Dermatitis, photosensitivity, and potential skin irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Escalation note

Symptoms are generally mild but can be uncomfortable; contact your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of skin sensitivity or digestive distress.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Photosensitivity, skin redness, and potential blistering when exposed to sunlight after ingestion.

Escalation note

While rarely fatal, ingestion can lead to significant skin issues; consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed a large amount.

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

Open source

Parsley is listed as toxic to dogs and cats due to the presence of furanocoumarins.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Petroselinum crispum is a biennial herb widely cultivated for its leaves, but it is noted for potential toxicity in pets.

cats safety page My cat ate Parsley dogs safety page My dog ate Parsley

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Caraway

Carum carvi

Carum carvi is a biennial herb in the Apiaceae family widely cultivated for its aromatic seeds. While commonly used in culinary applications, ingestion of the plant in large quantities may cause adverse reactions in pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Poison Hemlock

Conium maculatum

Poison Hemlock is a highly dangerous biennial herb containing potent piperidine alkaloids that affect the nervous system. It is considered one of the most toxic plants and should be strictly avoided in any environment accessible to pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.