Pet emergency
My cat ate Dandelion-leaved Sage — what to do
Step by step
- Take dandelion-leaved sage 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 dandelion-leaved sage — FAQ
Is dandelion-leaved sage poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Dandelion-leaved Sage (Salvia taraxacifolia) as mildly toxic to cats. Not individually assessed by ASPCA. As a member of the Salvia genus, which contains volatile monoterpene ketones (including thujone in related species), it is conservatively classified as mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Possible symptoms include mild gastrointestinal upset or lethargy if large quantities are ingested. Consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate dandelion-leaved sage?
Dandelion-leaved Sage 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. Not individually assessed by ASPCA. As a member of the Salvia genus, which contains volatile monoterpene ketones (including thujone in related species), it is conservatively classified as mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Possible symptoms include mild gastrointestinal upset or lethargy if large quantities are ingested. Consult a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 dandelion-leaved sage well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is dandelion-leaved sage toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Dandelion-leaved Sage and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide