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Pet safety

Is Cat Thyme toxic to cats?

Teucrium marum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cat thyme 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. Contains neoclerodane diterpenes (including teucrin A) that are hepatotoxic; the RHS states the plant is harmful if eaten and recommends protective gloves when handling. Not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. The cat-attractant scent is not a safety endorsement — ingestion should be discouraged.

What to do if your cat ate cat thyme

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move cat thyme 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 cat thyme to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is cat thyme toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cat thyme toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cat thyme 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. Contains neoclerodane diterpenes (including teucrin A) that are hepatotoxic; the RHS states the plant is harmful if eaten and recommends protective gloves when handling. Not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. The cat-attractant scent is not a safety endorsement — ingestion should be discouraged.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cat thyme?

Contains neoclerodane diterpenes (including teucrin A) that are hepatotoxic; the RHS states the plant is harmful if eaten and recommends protective gloves when handling. Not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. The cat-attractant scent is not a safety endorsement — ingestion should be discouraged. 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 cat thyme.

What should I do if my cat ate cat thyme?

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 cat thyme toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cat Thyme is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cat thyme pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cat thyme?

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 cat thyme pet-safety