Pet safety
Is Tagartoxic to cats & dogs?
Valeriana wallichii
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Valeriana wallichii
Is tagar safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Tagar is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Valeriana wallichii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Valeriana species, it contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid in its rhizomes. These compounds can cause mild GI upset and, in cats, behavioural stimulation similar to catnip. ASPCA Poison Control cases involving valerian typically show minimal clinical signs in dogs, but consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats tagar?
Valeriana wallichii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Valeriana species, it contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid in its rhizomes. These compounds can cause mild GI upset and, in cats, behavioural stimulation similar to catnip. ASPCA Poison Control cases involving valerian typically show minimal clinical signs in dogs, but consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs. 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 tagar, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate tagar
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move tagar 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 tagar 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 tagar
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)
Tagar and pets — frequently asked questions
Is tagar toxic to cats?
Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Valeriana wallichii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Valeriana species, it contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid in its rhizomes. These compounds can cause mild GI upset and, in cats, behavioural stimulation similar to catnip. ASPCA Poison Control cases involving valerian typically show minimal clinical signs in dogs, but consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs. 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 tagar toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like tagar is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats tagar?
Valeriana wallichii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Valeriana species, it contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid in its rhizomes. These compounds can cause mild GI upset and, in cats, behavioural stimulation similar to catnip. ASPCA Poison Control cases involving valerian typically show minimal clinical signs in dogs, but consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs. 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 tagar, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate tagar?
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 tagar to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to tagar?
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 tagar care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete tagar care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.