Pet safety
Is Turkestan Clarytoxic to cats & dogs?
Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica
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 Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica
Is turkestan clary safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Turkestan Clary 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. The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats turkestan clary?
The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats. 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 turkestan clary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate turkestan clary
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move turkestan clary 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 turkestan clary 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 turkestan clary
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)
Turkestan Clary and pets — frequently asked questions
Is turkestan clary toxic to cats?
Turkestan Clary (Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats. 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 turkestan clary toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Turkestan Clary (Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like turkestan clary is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats turkestan clary?
The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats. 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 turkestan clary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate turkestan clary?
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 turkestan clary to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to turkestan clary?
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 turkestan clary care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete turkestan clary care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.