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If your cat ate thyme-leaved sandwort — 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.

Thyme-leaved Sandwort is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Thyme-leaved Sandwort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take thyme-leaved sandwort 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 thyme-leaved sandwort — FAQ

Is thyme-leaved sandwort poisonous to cats?

Yes — Thyme-leaved Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Arenaria serpyllifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and no reports of significant toxicity to cats or dogs appear in veterinary literature. As ASPCA non-toxic status is unconfirmed, it is classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

How serious is it if my cat ate thyme-leaved sandwort?

Thyme-leaved Sandwort 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. Arenaria serpyllifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and no reports of significant toxicity to cats or dogs appear in veterinary literature. As ASPCA non-toxic status is unconfirmed, it is classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution. Contact a veterinarian 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 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 thyme-leaved sandwort 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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