Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Beach Salvia toxic to cats?

Salvia africana-lutea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists beach salvia as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Salvia africana-lutea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. ASPCA lists common sage (Salvia officinalis) as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. As specific confirmation for this species is absent, a mildly-toxic precautionary rating is applied; no documented toxic principles specific to this species.

What to do if your cat ate beach salvia

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move beach salvia out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of beach salvia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten beach salvia, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is beach salvia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is beach salvia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists beach salvia as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Salvia africana-lutea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. ASPCA lists common sage (Salvia officinalis) as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. As specific confirmation for this species is absent, a mildly-toxic precautionary rating is applied; no documented toxic principles specific to this species.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats beach salvia?

Salvia africana-lutea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. ASPCA lists common sage (Salvia officinalis) as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. As specific confirmation for this species is absent, a mildly-toxic precautionary rating is applied; no documented toxic principles specific to this species. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to beach salvia.

What should I do if my cat ate beach salvia?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is beach salvia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Beach Salvia is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full beach salvia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to beach salvia?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full beach salvia pet-safety