Pet emergency
My cat ate Meadow Clary — what to do
Step by step
- Take meadow clary 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 meadow clary — FAQ
Is meadow clary poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Meadow Clary (Salvia pratensis) as mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) and Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage) as non-toxic; Salvia pratensis is not individually listed. No known toxic principles have been documented (PFAF records 'none known'), but the species contains essential oils typical of the mint family and a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Consumption of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
How serious is it if my cat ate meadow clary?
Meadow Clary 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. The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) and Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage) as non-toxic; Salvia pratensis is not individually listed. No known toxic principles have been documented (PFAF records 'none known'), but the species contains essential oils typical of the mint family and a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Consumption of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 meadow clary well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is meadow clary toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Meadow Clary and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide