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If your cat ate turkestan clary — 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.

Turkestan Clary is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Turkestan Clary — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take turkestan clary 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 turkestan clary — FAQ

Is turkestan clary poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Turkestan Clary (Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica) as mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats.

How serious is it if my cat ate turkestan clary?

Turkestan 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) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats. 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 turkestan clary 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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