Pet emergency
My cat ate Felty Germander — what to do
Step by step
- Take felty germander 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 felty germander — FAQ
Is felty germander poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Felty Germander (Teucrium polium) as mildly toxic to cats. Teucrium polium contains neoclerodane diterpenes including teucrin A, which are documented hepatotoxins; human cases of germander-induced hepatitis have been reported in the medical literature (Annals of Internal Medicine, PubMed). The plant is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be strictly avoided.
How serious is it if my cat ate felty germander?
Felty Germander 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. Teucrium polium contains neoclerodane diterpenes including teucrin A, which are documented hepatotoxins; human cases of germander-induced hepatitis have been reported in the medical literature (Annals of Internal Medicine, PubMed). The plant is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be strictly avoided. 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 felty germander well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is felty germander toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Felty Germander and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide