Cats
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
cat safety reference
Is Nasturtium safe for cats?
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium is a popular, fast-growing annual known for its edible, peppery-flavored flowers and rounded leaves. It is widely considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause mild digestive upset.
Garden NasturtiumIndian CressNasturtiumTropaeolum majus
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Trailing or mounding
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Safe for cats — the ASPCA lists Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) as non-toxic to cats, with no toxic principle and no clinical signs on record.
Sources: ASPCA.
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
Generally none; however, excessive consumption of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows persistent signs of discomfort, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Nasturtiumis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Nasturtium is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Tropaeolum majus is a trailing annual with edible flowers and leaves, commonly grown in gardens and containers.
Questions about Nasturtium
Is nasturtium toxic to cats?
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, with a confidence of 0.95 based on an ASPCA provenance audit from May 2026.
What happens if my cat eats nasturtium?
Most cats experience no symptoms at all. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous leaves or stems, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible, but serious effects are not expected.
Should I be worried if my cat chewed on a nasturtium plant?
A small nibble is unlikely to cause any problem. Non-toxic does not mean harmless in quantity — if your cat consumed a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian.
Which parts of the nasturtium plant are safe around cats?
The entire plant — flowers, leaves, and stems — is considered non-toxic to cats. The peppery flavor may naturally deter most cats from eating much, but no part of the plant is known to be harmful.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
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.
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.
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
African Violets are popular, low-growing flowering houseplants known for their fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Basil is a popular culinary herb known for its aromatic leaves and ease of growth in sunny indoor or outdoor environments. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.