Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.
Home / Answers / My 4 kg cat licked mustard seeds from a salad — how much…

My 4 kg cat licked mustard seeds from a salad — how much more dangerous is this compared to sesame seeds?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Mustard seeds are significantly more dangerous than sesame seeds for cats. Both belong to different plant families, but mustard seeds and their powder can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause gastroenteritis, while very high doses may also affect the heart. A few seeds licked accidentally may only cause mild stomach upset, but sesame seeds are far less risky. Because your cat is small at 4 kg, contact your vet for guidance and watch closely for vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior. Do not give any more mustard-containing foods.

Mustard seeds — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Seeds and powder are toxic — they can cause gastroenteritis; high doses may damage the heart.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Mustard seeds should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Mustard seeds food facts page.

Open the full food page: Mustard seeds food facts →

Owners also ask

Dogs · Food safety Can dogs eat mustard seeds? Are they toxic? No — mustard seeds are not safe for dogs. The seeds and powder are toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea… Cats · Food safety My cat licked a small amount of mustard seed powder from a spice jar — is this toxic? Yes, mustard seeds and powder are toxic to cats. Even a small amount can cause significant gastrointestinal… Cats · Emergency guide My 5-pound cat ate half of a 50mg tramadol pill — how does her tiny size affect the urgency? This is an extreme emergency — a 5-pound cat eating half a 50mg tramadol pill has ingested a massive… Dogs · Toxicity calculator My dog drank coffee or ate grounds — is caffeine toxic to dogs? Yes — caffeine (like chocolate) can over-stimulate a dog’s heart and nervous system. Grounds and espresso are…

The complete answer list →