Pet emergency
My cat ate Bacopa monnieri — what to do
Step by step
- Take bacopa monnieri away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate bacopa monnieri — FAQ
Is bacopa monnieri poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Bacopa monnieri (Bacopa monnieri) as mildly toxic to cats. Bacopa is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a definitive pet-safety rating cannot be given; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although brahmi is used as a human herbal supplement, human edibility does not establish ASPCA pet safety, and ingestion could still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats or dogs.
How serious is it if my cat ate bacopa monnieri?
Bacopa monnieri is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Bacopa is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a definitive pet-safety rating cannot be given; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although brahmi is used as a human herbal supplement, human edibility does not establish ASPCA pet safety, and ingestion could still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats or dogs. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep bacopa monnieri well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is bacopa monnieri toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Bacopa monnieri and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide