What is this plant and is it toxic to cats?

August 25, 2016 12:35 PM

Can anyone identify this plant? http://imgur.com/gJ6CAXy

I was walking my cat out in our garden with a harness and I saw him chewing nearby it. I'm not sure if he actually ate any, but I whisked him away immediately. This was about 15 minutes ago. He seems fine at the moment.

posted by Reverend John to Pets & Animals (6 answers total)

Best answer: I might be wrong, but I think it's lily of the valley gone to seed, that's what mine look like. Apparently it's very toxic to animals so you would see symptoms if he ate it.
posted by beyond_pink at 12:45 PM on August 25, 2016 [2 favorites]

I was going to say unripe mondo or monkey grass berries, but now agree with beyond_pink.
posted by notquitemaryann at 12:52 PM on August 25, 2016 [1 favorite]

Although I suspect that beyond_pink is probably correct, another plant that looks extremely similar to the photo is Senecio rowleyanus aka string of pearls. The thing is though, that string of pearls is usually cultivated indoors. It is also toxic to cats.
posted by strelitzia at 1:43 PM on August 25, 2016

Response by poster: Well, called my vet who referred me to the ASPCA poison control center. They suggested keeping an eye on him for symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, seizures), but he seems fine. I think he probably didn't actually eat any.

So, here's an album of the twerp.

Thanks for your help, everyone!
posted by Reverend John at 1:55 PM on August 25, 2016 [3 favorites]

beyond_pink is probably right.

That said, if you're growing cilantro/coriander in your garden, it could be that. The green coriander seeds look very much like your image.
posted by yellowcandy at 1:02 PM on August 26, 2016

Response by poster: In case anybody's wondering, Leo Sonrisa Chewbacca Prisoner 1311 Sausage Throw-Pillow Ow-You-Brat Mouse-Hunter Dreamsicle von Katze is just fine!

Thanks everyone!
posted by Reverend John at 1:44 PM on September 29, 2016