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Is Common Bugle toxic to cats?

Ajuga reptans

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common bugle 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. Ajuga reptans is not individually listed by ASPCA. Bugleweed species contain iridoid glycosides and have historically been associated with mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities by dogs or cats. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from consuming significant amounts.

What to do if your cat ate common bugle

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

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

Is common bugle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common bugle toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common bugle 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. Ajuga reptans is not individually listed by ASPCA. Bugleweed species contain iridoid glycosides and have historically been associated with mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities by dogs or cats. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from consuming significant amounts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common bugle?

Ajuga reptans is not individually listed by ASPCA. Bugleweed species contain iridoid glycosides and have historically been associated with mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities by dogs or cats. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from consuming significant amounts. 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 common bugle.

What should I do if my cat ate common bugle?

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 common bugle toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common bugle?

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 common bugle pet-safety