Can cats eat Parsley?
Caution. Curly and flat-leaf parsley are non-toxic in small quantities, but large amounts can cause phototoxicity (sunburn-like skin reactions) and digestive upset. Spring parsley is different and is toxic.
If your cat has eaten parsley
- For small amounts of standard parsley: monitor.
- For large ingestions or spring parsley: call your vet.
What's the full picture?
Parsley in small amounts — a pinch as a garnish — is not acutely toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists parsley as having potential for causing photosensitivity when consumed in large quantities, but the amounts found in typical food preparation (a sprig, a few leaves) are not a clinical concern. Some commercial cat treats even contain trace parsley.
However, spring parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. tuberosum) and large quantities of regular parsley contain apiole and myristicin — compounds that can cause uterine contractions and are specifically dangerous for pregnant cats. For this reason, parsley is on the Pet Poison Helpline's 'use caution' list, particularly for pregnant or nursing cats.
Parsley root and parsley seed oil are significantly more concentrated in apiole than fresh parsley leaves and should be treated as toxic to cats. These forms appear in herbal supplements — don't give your cat any herbal supplement containing parsley extract, parsley seed, or parsley root.
The key distinction is quantity and form: a few fresh parsley leaves accidentally ingested carry very low risk for a healthy non-pregnant adult cat. Parsley seed oil, parsley root, or large quantities of fresh parsley are genuinely problematic. If you're growing parsley in the garden and your cat nibbles it, this is unlikely to cause harm. If a cat gets into herbal supplements containing concentrated parsley extract, contact your vet.
Flat-leaf and curly parsley both carry the same risk profile. Cilantro (coriander), despite looking similar, is a separate plant — it's considered non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA and is a different concern entirely.
Symptoms to watch for
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Questions owners ask
Is parsley toxic to cats?
Small amounts of fresh parsley leaves are low-risk for healthy adult cats. The Pet Poison Helpline lists parsley as potentially harmful in large quantities — it contains apiole and myristicin, which can cause photosensitivity and uterine effects. Parsley is specifically dangerous for pregnant cats. Parsley seed oil and parsley root (concentrated forms) are more toxic and should be avoided entirely.
My cat ate some parsley from my herb garden. Should I be worried?
A small amount of fresh flat-leaf or curly parsley is unlikely to cause harm in a healthy adult cat. Monitor for any digestive symptoms. If your cat is pregnant, call your vet — parsley can stimulate uterine contractions. Don't confuse parsley with other herbs that may be nearby and more toxic.
Can cats eat food garnished with parsley?
A small parsley garnish amounts to a few leaves at most, which carries very low risk. The bigger concern is usually whatever the food is garnished with — many parsley-garnished dishes contain garlic, onion, or high salt. If your cat licked a restaurant dish with parsley garnish, the parsley is the least of your concerns.
Portion control helps too — a slow-feeder bowl slows down greedy eaters and keeps shared-food expectations low.
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About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for US cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team