Pet safety
Is Creeping Winter Savorytoxic to cats & dogs?
Satureja montana subsp. illyrica
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Satureja montana subsp. illyrica
Is creeping winter savory safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — creeping winter savory is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Winter savory (Satureja montana) is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally established. Treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe; do not allow pets to graze it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats creeping winter savory?
Winter savory (Satureja montana) is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally established. Treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe; do not allow pets to graze it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to creeping winter savory, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate creeping winter savory
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move creeping winter savory out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of creeping winter savory to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to creeping winter savory
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Creeping Winter Savory and pets — frequently asked questions
Is creeping winter savory toxic to cats?
Creeping Winter Savory (Satureja montana subsp. illyrica) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Winter savory (Satureja montana) is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally established. Treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe; do not allow pets to graze it. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is creeping winter savory toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Creeping Winter Savory (Satureja montana subsp. illyrica) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like creeping winter savory is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats creeping winter savory?
Winter savory (Satureja montana) is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally established. Treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe; do not allow pets to graze it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to creeping winter savory, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate creeping winter savory?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of creeping winter savory to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to creeping winter savory?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full creeping winter savory care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete creeping winter savory care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.