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Pet safety

Is Clove toxic to cats?

Syzygium aromaticum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists clove 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. Clove essential oil (eugenol) is toxic to cats and can cause liver damage in high concentrations — even diluted clove oil should be kept away from cats. ASPCA does not individually list Syzygium aromaticum, but eugenol-containing plants are known feline hazards. Dried cloves and clove oil pose a more serious risk than occasional contact with foliage; keep out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate clove

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

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

Is clove toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is clove toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists clove 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. Clove essential oil (eugenol) is toxic to cats and can cause liver damage in high concentrations — even diluted clove oil should be kept away from cats. ASPCA does not individually list Syzygium aromaticum, but eugenol-containing plants are known feline hazards. Dried cloves and clove oil pose a more serious risk than occasional contact with foliage; keep out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats clove?

Clove essential oil (eugenol) is toxic to cats and can cause liver damage in high concentrations — even diluted clove oil should be kept away from cats. ASPCA does not individually list Syzygium aromaticum, but eugenol-containing plants are known feline hazards. Dried cloves and clove oil pose a more serious risk than occasional contact with foliage; keep out of reach of pets. 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 clove.

What should I do if my cat ate clove?

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 clove toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to clove?

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 clove pet-safety