Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Sudan Grass
Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii
Sudan Grass is a fast-growing annual grass often used as forage or cover crops, known for its tall, slender stalks and long, flat leaves. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, its fibrous nature can cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondiiSorghum vulgare var sudanesisSudan Sorghum
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright, clumping grass
- 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
No specific toxicity symptoms are expected, though chewing or swallowing plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.
Escalation note
This plant is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic for this pet. Monitor for digestive upset after large ingestion and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
No specific toxicity symptoms are expected, though chewing or swallowing plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.
Escalation note
This plant is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic for this pet. Monitor for digestive upset after large ingestion and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Sudan Grass is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification for Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii.
Questions about Sudan Grass
Is Sudan Grass toxic to cats?
No, Sudan Grass (Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii) is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. It is not expected to cause poisoning, though like any plant material, large amounts can lead to mild stomach upset.
What happens if my cat eats Sudan Grass?
No specific toxicity symptoms are expected. The fibrous plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort — such as vomiting or loose stools — if your cat eats a large quantity, but serious harm is not anticipated.
How much Sudan Grass would cause problems for a cat?
There is no documented toxic dose because Sudan Grass is non-toxic to cats. Even so, non-toxic does not mean safe to eat freely — large ingestions of any fibrous plant can irritate a cat's digestive tract and cause temporary GI upset. Monitor your cat and contact your vet if symptoms persist.
Should I call the vet if my cat chewed on Sudan Grass?
A brief nibble is unlikely to require a vet visit, but if your cat consumed a significant amount and is showing persistent vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) is also available if you want additional reassurance.
Is Sudan Grass toxic to dogs?
Sudan Grass (Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii) is listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA. It is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your dog chews or eats it.
What happens if my dog eats Sudan Grass?
No specific toxicity symptoms are expected. However, because Sudan Grass has fibrous stalks and long flat leaves, consuming a large amount may cause mild stomach upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Monitor your dog and contact your vet if digestive symptoms persist.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Sudan Grass?
Since Sudan Grass is non-toxic to dogs, an emergency response is not needed, but watch for signs of digestive discomfort like vomiting or lethargy after a large ingestion. If symptoms develop or persist, contact your veterinarian. For peace of mind, you can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Can the fibrous texture of Sudan Grass cause problems for dogs?
The plant's fibrous stalks and leaves are not chemically harmful to dogs, but the physical bulk of the material can be hard to digest. Large quantities may lead to mild GI upset; non-toxic does not mean safe to eat in quantity, so discourage heavy grazing.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix acaulis
The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
