Pet safety
Is Nepeta 'Walker's Low'toxic to cats & dogs?
Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low'
Is nepeta 'walker's low' safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags nepeta 'walker's low' 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. Catmint/catnip (Nepeta) is on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list, but the ASPCA notes its compound nepetalactone can cause vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats a large amount, and it may sedate or stimulate cats. Treated here as mildly toxic given that GI-upset caveat; not dangerous in normal exposure.
| 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 'walker's low'?
Catmint/catnip (Nepeta) is on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list, but the ASPCA notes its compound nepetalactone can cause vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats a large amount, and it may sedate or stimulate cats. Treated here as mildly toxic given that GI-upset caveat; not dangerous in normal exposure. 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 'walker's low', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate nepeta 'walker's low'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move nepeta 'walker's low' 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 'walker's low' 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 'walker's low'
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 'Walker's Low' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is nepeta 'walker's low' toxic to cats?
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' (Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Catmint/catnip (Nepeta) is on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list, but the ASPCA notes its compound nepetalactone can cause vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats a large amount, and it may sedate or stimulate cats. Treated here as mildly toxic given that GI-upset caveat; not dangerous in normal exposure. 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 'walker's low' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' (Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like nepeta 'walker's low' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats nepeta 'walker's low'?
Catmint/catnip (Nepeta) is on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list, but the ASPCA notes its compound nepetalactone can cause vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats a large amount, and it may sedate or stimulate cats. Treated here as mildly toxic given that GI-upset caveat; not dangerous in normal exposure. 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 'walker's low', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate nepeta 'walker's low'?
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 'walker's low' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to nepeta 'walker's low'?
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 'walker's low' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete nepeta 'walker's low' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.