Common Oat
Avena sativa · Poaceae
How it looks
An annual grass with slender, upright linear leaves, reaching 60–120 cm at maturity. Its drooping panicles carry inconspicuous flowers. Native to western Asia; for pets it is grown from seed and used as young shoots about 10–15 cm tall.
No toxicity data available
Oat is not listed in the ASPCA's toxic plants list for cats, and NC State Extension has no toxicity data for it either. With no confirmed evidence either way, we cannot call it safe — exercise caution if your cat has access to it.
Guide for parents
Oat has no official toxicity data, so it is hard to say for certain whether it is safe.
Oat sprouts are what most "cat grass" products actually are. Note that cat grass is not a species name — it is a catch-all for the young shoots of oat, wheat, and barley, so two products with the same label may be different plants.
Being widely grown and sold is not the same as being harmless to cats, and neither is the fact that people eat the grain. The only evidence this app treats as grounds for calling something safe is a pet-specific assessment, and oat does not appear in one.
Chewing grass is ordinary cat behavior, but a large amount at once can bring on vomiting. If you do offer it, keep each amount small, and remove any shoots that mold or go soft. If vomiting repeats or appetite drops, contact your vet.
Details
- Scientific name
- Avena sativa
- Common name
- Common Oat
- Family
- Poaceae
- Source
- No confirmed source — not listed by ASPCA or NC State Extension
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Poaceae
Related guides
Top 10 Flowers Dangerous to Cats — The Ones You See at Florists
Ten flowers you'll commonly find at florists and grocery stores that are toxic to cats. Check before you receive them, and before you bring them home.
Got a Bouquet? What to Do If You Have a Cat
A bouquet is a lovely surprise — but if you live with a cat, there are a few things to take care of right away. From checking what's in the arrangement to choosing the right vase, here's what actually helps, in order.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.