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If your cat ate motherwort — 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.

Motherwort is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Motherwort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take motherwort 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 motherwort — FAQ

Is motherwort poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) as mildly toxic to cats. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. There are no documented poisoning reports in pets and it is used in some animal herbal formulations, but absence of an ASPCA listing means safety cannot be asserted. The spiny flower bracts can also irritate skin and mouths, so do not treat it as confirmed pet-safe.

How serious is it if my cat ate motherwort?

Motherwort 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 listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. There are no documented poisoning reports in pets and it is used in some animal herbal formulations, but absence of an ASPCA listing means safety cannot be asserted. The spiny flower bracts can also irritate skin and mouths, so do not treat it as confirmed pet-safe. 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 motherwort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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