Pet emergency
My cat ate Three-yoked Sage — what to do
Step by step
- Take three-yoked sage 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 three-yoked sage — FAQ
Is three-yoked sage poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Three-yoked Sage (Salvia trijuga) as mildly toxic to cats. Not individually listed by ASPCA. As a member of Salvia, a genus containing species with potentially toxic volatile compounds (such as thujone in S. officinalis), Salvia trijuga is conservatively classified as mildly toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may result in gastrointestinal upset, salivation, or mild neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate three-yoked sage?
Three-yoked Sage 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 by ASPCA. As a member of Salvia, a genus containing species with potentially toxic volatile compounds (such as thujone in S. officinalis), Salvia trijuga is conservatively classified as mildly toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may result in gastrointestinal upset, salivation, or mild neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 three-yoked sage well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is three-yoked sage toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Three-yoked Sage and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide