Nasturtium (Watercress)
Nasturtium officinale · Brassicaceae
How it looks
Watercress is an aquatic herb with rounded, feather-divided leaves and small white flowers clustered at the branch tips. Cutting the leaves releases a pungent mustard-like scent. Height 12–24 in (30–60 cm), growing in flowing water and wetlands.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Nasturtium (Watercress) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting 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 of Nasturtium (Watercress) usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the unidentified compounds in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Nasturtium officinale
- Common name
- Nasturtium (Watercress)
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
