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If your cat ate marsh woundwort — 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.

Marsh Woundwort is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Marsh Woundwort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take marsh woundwort 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 marsh woundwort — FAQ

Is marsh woundwort poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris) as mildly toxic to cats. Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate marsh woundwort?

Marsh Woundwort 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 listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets. 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 marsh woundwort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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