Is Bog rosemary toxic to cats?

Yes — bog rosemary is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Andromeda polifolia contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts are poisonous; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Keep away from pets and children. The common name 'rosemary' is misleading — it is unrelated to culinary rosemary.

Andromeda polifolia contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts are poisonous; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Keep away from pets and children. The common name 'rosemary' is misleading — it is unrelated to culinary rosemary. 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 bog rosemary.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bog rosemary is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bog rosemary pet-safety guide for both species.

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.