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.
Key facts
- Verdict: Caution — some risk involved. See the detail below before giving parsley to your cat.
- Category: Herb
- Onset: Signs can start 0–12 hours — see the full timeline below.
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?
Standard kitchen parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is low-risk in trace amounts — a garnish left on a plate licked by a cat is not a problem.
Larger ingestions can cause photosensitivity, where the cat's skin (especially unpigmented areas) reacts to sunlight and develops redness or blistering. This is uncommon in indoor cats but has been reported in outdoor cats that grazed on parsley beds.
Spring parsley (Cymopterus watsonii) is a different plant and is listed as toxic in veterinary toxicology references. This is rarely grown in UK gardens but may appear in seed mixes.
Symptoms to watch for
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Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-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 UK 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 Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 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 What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team