Pet safety
Is White Sagetoxic to cats & dogs?
Salvia apiana
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- No — non-toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- No — non-toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Pet-safe · botanical name Salvia apiana
Is white sage safe for cats and dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists white sage on the non-toxic side of its cat-and-dog reference. A chewed leaf still isn't dinner, but it won't trigger a poisoning. 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. Salvia apiana is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the Salvias the ASPCA does assess — Salvia officinalis (sage) and Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage) — are listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so this aromatic native relative is treated as pet-safe. The leaves are highly resinous and bitter, so pets rarely eat much; keep concentrated essential oils away from cats.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | No | Pet-safe |
| Dogs | No | Pet-safe |
What happens if a pet eats white sage?
Because white sage is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What to do if your pet ate white sage
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move white sage 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 white sage 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.
White Sage and pets — frequently asked questions
Is white sage toxic to cats?
White Sage (Salvia apiana) is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Salvia apiana is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the Salvias the ASPCA does assess — Salvia officinalis (sage) and Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage) — are listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so this aromatic native relative is treated as pet-safe. The leaves are highly resinous and bitter, so pets rarely eat much; keep concentrated essential oils away from cats. It is a sensible pick for a cat household, though no plant should be a regular snack.
Is white sage toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, White Sage (Salvia apiana) is non-toxic to dogs. Dogs that gulp large amounts of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing even on a non-toxic plant.
What happens if my pet eats white sage?
Because white sage is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate white sage?
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 white sage to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
Which other plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Reliable non-toxic houseplants on the ASPCA list include spider plant, areca palm, calathea, peperomia, and most true ferns. You can browse Growli's full pet-safety library to check any plant before you buy it, and every entry cites the ASPCA classification it is based on.
Full white sage care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete white sage care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.