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If your cat ate wall germander — 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.

Wall Germander is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Wall Germander — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take wall germander 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 wall germander — FAQ

Is wall germander poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) as toxic to cats. Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate wall germander?

Wall Germander is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets. 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 wall germander well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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