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
Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Moss Rose is a succulent, low-growing annual known for its vibrant, rose-like flowers and fleshy leaves. While popular in gardens, it contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Moss RosePigweedPortulacaPortulaca oleraceaPurslane
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Trailing or spreading
- Care
- Low
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
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and potential vomiting.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. Always contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has ingested this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral swelling, and occasional gastrointestinal upset.
Escalation note
The plant contains soluble oxalates which can cause irritation upon contact with the mouth and throat. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist or if your dog consumes a large quantity.
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
Moss Rose is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of soluble calcium oxalates.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Portulaca oleracea is a succulent annual that is widely distributed and often considered a weed, though cultivated for its ornamental flowers.
Questions about Purslane
Is purslane (Portulaca oleracea) toxic to cats?
Yes, purslane is considered potentially toxic to cats. It contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating purslane?
The most common early signs are drooling and reduced appetite shortly after chewing the plant. Your cat may also vomit, have diarrhea, or seem depressed and unresponsive. After a large ingestion, watch for trembling, muscle weakness, or signs of kidney trouble such as increased thirst and changes in urination.
What should I do if my cat ate purslane?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Mild cases typically involve transient irritation that resolves within 24–48 hours, but a large ingestion warrants prompt veterinary attention so kidney values can be monitored.
How quickly do symptoms appear after a cat ingests purslane?
Soluble-oxalate signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion. Mild GI signs usually resolve within 24–48 hours, but the ASPCA does not list a specific onset window; call your vet promptly if your cat shows tremors, persistent vomiting, weakness, or any change in drinking or urinating habits.
Is purslane toxic to dogs?
Yes, purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating purslane?
The most immediate signs are drooling and pawing at the mouth as the oxalates irritate the mouth and throat. This can progress to vomiting and loose stool within a few hours. After a large ingestion, watch for trembling, weakness, lethargy, and in serious cases, signs of kidney trouble such as changes in urination or marked depression over the following 1–3 days.
What should I do if my dog ate purslane?
Remove your dog from the plant and rinse their mouth with water to reduce irritation. Monitor closely for the next 24–48 hours. Call your vet if the drooling is heavy, vomiting persists past a few hours, or you notice tremors, weakness, or changes in urination. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Why is purslane dangerous to dogs — what exactly makes it harmful?
Purslane contains soluble oxalates, which dissolve quickly in saliva and tissue fluids, causing immediate irritation to the mouth and throat on contact. Unlike insoluble oxalates (found in plants like pothos), soluble oxalates can also be absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion, which is why large quantities raise concern for kidney effects in the days following exposure.
Same safety verdict
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