Is Common Mullein toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common mullein 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. Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation.

Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation. 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 mullein.

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: Common Mullein is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full common mullein 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.