Pet safety
Is Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'toxic to cats & dogs?
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'
Is nepeta 'six hills giant' safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags nepeta 'six hills giant' 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. The ASPCA lists Catnip (Nepeta cataria), the type species of this genus, as toxic to cats, with nepetalactone as the toxic principle causing vomiting, diarrhoea and either sedation or stimulation. As a Nepeta, 'Six Hills Giant' should be treated the same; verify any individual concern with a vet. Most cats are attracted to and only mildly affected by catmint.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats nepeta 'six hills giant'?
The ASPCA lists Catnip (Nepeta cataria), the type species of this genus, as toxic to cats, with nepetalactone as the toxic principle causing vomiting, diarrhoea and either sedation or stimulation. As a Nepeta, 'Six Hills Giant' should be treated the same; verify any individual concern with a vet. Most cats are attracted to and only mildly affected by catmint. 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 nepeta 'six hills giant', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate nepeta 'six hills giant'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move nepeta 'six hills giant' 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 nepeta 'six hills giant' 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 nepeta 'six hills giant'
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)
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is nepeta 'six hills giant' toxic to cats?
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Catnip (Nepeta cataria), the type species of this genus, as toxic to cats, with nepetalactone as the toxic principle causing vomiting, diarrhoea and either sedation or stimulation. As a Nepeta, 'Six Hills Giant' should be treated the same; verify any individual concern with a vet. Most cats are attracted to and only mildly affected by catmint. 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 nepeta 'six hills giant' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like nepeta 'six hills giant' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats nepeta 'six hills giant'?
The ASPCA lists Catnip (Nepeta cataria), the type species of this genus, as toxic to cats, with nepetalactone as the toxic principle causing vomiting, diarrhoea and either sedation or stimulation. As a Nepeta, 'Six Hills Giant' should be treated the same; verify any individual concern with a vet. Most cats are attracted to and only mildly affected by catmint. 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 nepeta 'six hills giant', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate nepeta 'six hills giant'?
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 nepeta 'six hills giant' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to nepeta 'six hills giant'?
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 nepeta 'six hills giant' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete nepeta 'six hills giant' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.