Buckwheat
Fagopyrum spp. · Polygonaceae
How it looks
Buckwheat is a plant with heart- to spear-shaped leaves arranged alternately. Small white to pink flowers gather at the branch tips, and small triangular brown seeds form. It reaches 12-31 in (30-80 cm) tall and is cultivated as a source of grain and honey.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Buckwheat contain irritating compounds that can cause gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Buckwheat rarely leads to serious trouble, but the fagopyrin (a phototoxic compound) it contains irritates the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, skin irritation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Fagopyrum spp.
- Common name
- Buckwheat
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Fagopyrin (phototoxic)
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, skin irritation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
