Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Celtic Valerian toxic to cats?

Valeriana celtica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists celtic valerian 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. Valeriana celtica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a member of Valeriana, it contains valerenic acid and related compounds. No confirmed pet fatalities are documented, but strong-smelling valerenic compounds in the rhizome may attract cats. Exercise caution and consult a vet if significant ingestion is observed.

What to do if your cat ate celtic valerian

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

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

Is celtic valerian toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is celtic valerian toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists celtic valerian 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. Valeriana celtica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a member of Valeriana, it contains valerenic acid and related compounds. No confirmed pet fatalities are documented, but strong-smelling valerenic compounds in the rhizome may attract cats. Exercise caution and consult a vet if significant ingestion is observed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats celtic valerian?

Valeriana celtica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a member of Valeriana, it contains valerenic acid and related compounds. No confirmed pet fatalities are documented, but strong-smelling valerenic compounds in the rhizome may attract cats. Exercise caution and consult a vet if significant ingestion is observed. 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 celtic valerian.

What should I do if my cat ate celtic valerian?

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 celtic valerian toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Celtic Valerian is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full celtic valerian pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to celtic valerian?

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 celtic valerian pet-safety