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If your cat ate moth mullein — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Moth Mullein is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Moth Mullein — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take moth mullein 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate moth mullein — FAQ

Is moth mullein poisonous to cats?

Yes — Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals.

How serious is it if my cat ate moth mullein?

Moth Mullein 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. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep moth mullein well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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