Is Parsley Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Garden Parsley, Italian Parsley, Petroselinum crispum · Petroselinum crispum
What makes it toxic
Furanocoumarins (psoralens) plus mild essential oils. They irritate the gut and, at higher cumulative doses, cause photosensitization of light-colored skin.
Warning signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea and drooling within hours; with large repeated intake, redness and irritation on sun-exposed skin and nose.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material, offer water and keep the cat out of strong sun for a couple of days after a large meal. Call your vet if GI signs persist.
Common questions
Is curly parsley safer than flat-leaf Italian parsley?
They carry the same compounds — variety does not change the risk. Both are mild irritants in quantity.
Why is parsley in some cat dental treats if it is mildly toxic?
Those products use tiny, controlled amounts for breath freshening. The raw plant in bulk is a different exposure level.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.