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Is Cut-leaved Selfheal toxic to cats?

Prunella laciniata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cut-leaved selfheal 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. Prunella laciniata is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related P. vulgaris is widely regarded as safe, but the genus contains rosmarinic acid and various phenolic compounds; until a definitive ASPCA assessment is available this species is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate cut-leaved selfheal

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

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

Is cut-leaved selfheal toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cut-leaved selfheal toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cut-leaved selfheal 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. Prunella laciniata is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related P. vulgaris is widely regarded as safe, but the genus contains rosmarinic acid and various phenolic compounds; until a definitive ASPCA assessment is available this species is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cut-leaved selfheal?

Prunella laciniata is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related P. vulgaris is widely regarded as safe, but the genus contains rosmarinic acid and various phenolic compounds; until a definitive ASPCA assessment is available this species is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a vet if 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 cut-leaved selfheal.

What should I do if my cat ate cut-leaved selfheal?

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 cut-leaved selfheal toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cut-leaved Selfheal is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cut-leaved selfheal pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cut-leaved selfheal?

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 cut-leaved selfheal pet-safety