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If your cat ate common vervain — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Common Vervain is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Common Vervain — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take common vervain away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 common vervain — FAQ

Is common vervain poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Common Vervain (Verbena officinalis) as mildly toxic to cats. Verbena officinalis is not listed as toxic by ASPCA for cats or dogs, but the herb contains iridoid glycosides (verbenalin, aucubin) that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset — nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea — if large quantities are ingested by pets or humans. The ornamental Verbena hybrida is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic; V. officinalis is not individually assessed, so treat with caution and keep away from pets prone to plant chewing.

How serious is it if my cat ate common vervain?

Common Vervain 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. Verbena officinalis is not listed as toxic by ASPCA for cats or dogs, but the herb contains iridoid glycosides (verbenalin, aucubin) that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset — nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea — if large quantities are ingested by pets or humans. The ornamental Verbena hybrida is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic; V. officinalis is not individually assessed, so treat with caution and keep away from pets prone to plant chewing. 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 common vervain well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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