Pet safety
Is Vervaintoxic to cats & dogs?
Verbena officinalis
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 Verbena officinalis
Is vervain safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — vervain is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's 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. Verbena officinalis itself is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, the verbena genus contains species of varying toxicity, and to avoid confusion with related toxic plants (such as lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, which is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses), a 'mildly-toxic' caution is appropriate. Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats vervain?
Verbena officinalis itself is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, the verbena genus contains species of varying toxicity, and to avoid confusion with related toxic plants (such as lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, which is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses), a 'mildly-toxic' caution is appropriate. Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 vervain, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate vervain
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move vervain 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 vervain 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 vervain
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)
Vervain and pets — frequently asked questions
Is vervain toxic to cats?
Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Verbena officinalis itself is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, the verbena genus contains species of varying toxicity, and to avoid confusion with related toxic plants (such as lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, which is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses), a 'mildly-toxic' caution is appropriate. Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 vervain toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like vervain is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats vervain?
Verbena officinalis itself is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, the verbena genus contains species of varying toxicity, and to avoid confusion with related toxic plants (such as lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, which is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses), a 'mildly-toxic' caution is appropriate. Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 vervain, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate vervain?
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 vervain to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to vervain?
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 vervain care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete vervain care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.