Is Yellowrocket Toxic to Cats?

What is Yellowrocket?

Yellowrocket (Barbarea vulgaris) is a flowering plant originally from Europe but now found in many parts of North America. It is also known as winter rocket, cress, and wound rocket. Yellowrocket is a member of the Brassicaceae family along with mustard, cabbage, and broccoli. The plant has yellow flowers and produces seed pods that burst open, flinging the seeds away. Yellowrocket is an edible plant belonging to the cruciferous vegetable family and can be cooked or eaten raw as a salad green. It has also been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. Despite its benefits, there is a concern that the plant may be toxic to cats.

Is Yellowrocket Toxic to Cats?

There isn't enough scientific research to determine the toxicity of Yellowrocket to cats. However, Yellowrocket contains compounds known as glucosinolates, which are toxic to some animals. Glucosinolates are a group of sulfur-containing compounds found in plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These compounds act as a natural insecticide and herbicide and protect plants from being eaten by predators. When glucosinolates are broken down, they form isothiocyanates, compounds that cause gastrointestinal irritation and can damage the liver and kidneys in high doses. Although there is no scientific evidence that Yellowrocket is toxic to cats, it is known that cats are much more sensitive to glucosinolates than dogs or humans. Consuming plants that contain glucosinolates can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even anemia. In severe cases, glucosinolates can cause liver or kidney damage. For this reason, it is recommended that cats avoid eating Yellowrocket foliage, flowers, or seeds.

What Happens If a Cat Eats Yellowrocket

While there is no scientific evidence that Yellowrocket is toxic to cats, it is important to monitor their behavior if they accidentally eat the plant. Symptoms of glucosinolate poisoning in cats include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Jaundice
• In severe cases, liver or kidney damage

If you suspect that your cat has consumed Yellowrocket, take them to a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian may induce vomiting or use activated charcoal to prevent the absorption of toxins in the gut. Supportive care may include intravenous fluids, pain relief, and medication to control nausea. Blood tests may also be conducted to monitor liver and kidney function.

How to Prevent Glucosinolate Poisoning in Cats

To prevent accidental poisoning in cats, it is recommended to keep Yellowrocket out of their reach. If you grow the plant in your garden, ensure that it's planted in a secure area where cats cannot access it. If you feed your cat fresh greens, it is essential to give them safe plants such as parsley, cat grass, wheatgrass, and catnip.

Conclusion

Yellowrocket is a cruciferous vegetable that contains glucosinolates that can be toxic to some animals. While there isn't enough scientific evidence to confirm that Yellowrocket is toxic to cats, it is known that cats are more sensitive to glucosinolates than other animals. If you suspect that your cat has consumed Yellowrocket, take them to a veterinarian immediately. To prevent accidental poisoning, it is recommended to keep Yellowrocket out of reach of cats and provide them with safe plants to eat.