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Is Common Valerian toxic to cats?

Valeriana officinalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common 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 officinalis is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA database and is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, the valerenic acid compounds in roots and leaves have a well-documented psychoactive effect on approximately 50% of cats (causing euphoria, excitability, and potential anxiety), and large-quantity ingestion may cause mild vomiting or hypersalivation in dogs. Classified as mildly-toxic here due to these pharmacological effects rather than true toxicity; consult a veterinarian if a pet consumes the root or large amounts of the plant.

What to do if your cat ate common valerian

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

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

Is common valerian toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common valerian toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common 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 officinalis is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA database and is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, the valerenic acid compounds in roots and leaves have a well-documented psychoactive effect on approximately 50% of cats (causing euphoria, excitability, and potential anxiety), and large-quantity ingestion may cause mild vomiting or hypersalivation in dogs. Classified as mildly-toxic here due to these pharmacological effects rather than true toxicity; consult a veterinarian if a pet consumes the root or large amounts of the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common valerian?

Valeriana officinalis is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA database and is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, the valerenic acid compounds in roots and leaves have a well-documented psychoactive effect on approximately 50% of cats (causing euphoria, excitability, and potential anxiety), and large-quantity ingestion may cause mild vomiting or hypersalivation in dogs. Classified as mildly-toxic here due to these pharmacological effects rather than true toxicity; consult a veterinarian if a pet consumes the root or large amounts of the plant. 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 valerian.

What should I do if my cat ate common 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 common valerian toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common 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 common valerian pet-safety