Parsley

Yes, parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is considered toxic to cats. It contains furanocoumarins and psoralens that can cause photosensitivity and skin irritation, particularly after large ingestions. A small nibble of garnish-sized parsley is unlikely to cause a serious problem, but it should not be a regular part of your cat's diet.

The primary concerns are dermatitis, photosensitivity, and skin irritation — especially on lightly furred areas like ear tips, the nose, and belly — after sun exposure following a large ingestion. Mild GI upset such as drooling, soft stool, or brief vomiting is also possible. Skin reactions can develop over the day or two after a significant amount is eaten.

Remove any remaining parsley from reach, rinse your cat's mouth gently with water, and limit sun exposure for the next 24–48 hours to reduce the risk of photosensitization. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 if your cat ate a substantial amount or if you notice skin redness, blistering, or signs of pain.

The furanocoumarins and psoralens found throughout the parsley plant — leaves, stems, and seeds — are the compounds responsible for photosensitivity reactions. These substances make the skin more sensitive to UV light, so the combination of ingestion and subsequent sun exposure is what typically triggers visible skin symptoms.

Yes, parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is considered toxic to dogs. It contains furanocoumarins and psoralens that can cause photosensitivity reactions, particularly affecting skin exposed to sunlight after ingestion.

The most distinctive reaction is photosensitization: red, sunburn-like skin on lightly pigmented or thinly furred areas such as the belly, ears, muzzle, and around the eyes, sometimes progressing to dermatitis or blistering. Mild GI upset like vomiting or soft stool can also occur. Importantly, the skin reaction only develops after ingestion combined with UV exposure — it won't appear if your dog stays out of sunlight.

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Keep your dog out of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of photosensitization. Seek a same-day vet appointment if you notice red, irritated, or blistering skin after your dog has been outside, or if they vomit repeatedly or refuse to eat.

Parsley contains psoralens and furanocoumarins — compounds that sensitize skin cells to UV light. After a dog ingests enough parsley, these chemicals are absorbed into the body and concentrate in the skin; when UV rays then hit those areas, an exaggerated inflammatory response occurs, producing sunburn-like lesions. The reaction preferentially affects areas with thin fur or little pigmentation, such as the belly, ears, and muzzle.