Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Creeping Charlie toxic to cats?

Glechoma hederacea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping charlie 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. Glechoma hederacea is not individually listed by ASPCA for cats and dogs. It is documented as toxic to horses in large quantities, where volatile oils (including pulegone-related terpenoids) cause neurological and respiratory signs. For dogs and cats, ingestion of small amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea). Exercise caution with pets that chew plants; consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate creeping charlie

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

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

Is creeping charlie toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is creeping charlie toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping charlie 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. Glechoma hederacea is not individually listed by ASPCA for cats and dogs. It is documented as toxic to horses in large quantities, where volatile oils (including pulegone-related terpenoids) cause neurological and respiratory signs. For dogs and cats, ingestion of small amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea). Exercise caution with pets that chew plants; consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats creeping charlie?

Glechoma hederacea is not individually listed by ASPCA for cats and dogs. It is documented as toxic to horses in large quantities, where volatile oils (including pulegone-related terpenoids) cause neurological and respiratory signs. For dogs and cats, ingestion of small amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea). Exercise caution with pets that chew plants; consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs. 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 creeping charlie.

What should I do if my cat ate creeping charlie?

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 creeping charlie toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to creeping charlie?

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 creeping charlie pet-safety