Pet safety
Is Moth Mulleintoxic to cats & dogs?
Verbascum blattaria
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Verbascum blattaria
Is moth mullein safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags moth mullein as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats moth mullein?
Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals. 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 moth mullein, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate moth mullein
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move moth mullein 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 moth mullein 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 moth mullein
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Moth Mullein and pets — frequently asked questions
Is moth mullein toxic to cats?
Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals. 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 moth mullein toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like moth mullein is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats moth mullein?
Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals. 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 moth mullein, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate moth mullein?
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 moth mullein to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to moth mullein?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 moth mullein care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete moth mullein care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.