Pet safety
Is Felty Germandertoxic to cats & dogs?
Teucrium polium
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Teucrium polium
Is felty germander safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — felty germander 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. Teucrium polium contains neoclerodane diterpenes including teucrin A, which are documented hepatotoxins; human cases of germander-induced hepatitis have been reported in the medical literature (Annals of Internal Medicine, PubMed). The plant is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be strictly avoided.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats felty germander?
Teucrium polium contains neoclerodane diterpenes including teucrin A, which are documented hepatotoxins; human cases of germander-induced hepatitis have been reported in the medical literature (Annals of Internal Medicine, PubMed). The plant is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be strictly avoided. 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 felty germander, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate felty germander
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move felty germander 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 felty germander 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 felty germander
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)
Felty Germander and pets — frequently asked questions
Is felty germander toxic to cats?
Felty Germander (Teucrium polium) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Teucrium polium contains neoclerodane diterpenes including teucrin A, which are documented hepatotoxins; human cases of germander-induced hepatitis have been reported in the medical literature (Annals of Internal Medicine, PubMed). The plant is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be strictly avoided. 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 felty germander toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Felty Germander (Teucrium polium) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like felty germander is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats felty germander?
Teucrium polium contains neoclerodane diterpenes including teucrin A, which are documented hepatotoxins; human cases of germander-induced hepatitis have been reported in the medical literature (Annals of Internal Medicine, PubMed). The plant is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be strictly avoided. 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 felty germander, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate felty germander?
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 felty germander to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to felty germander?
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 felty germander care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete felty germander care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.