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Is Dense-flowered Mullein toxic to cats?

Verbascum densiflorum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dense-flowered 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Verbascum species are not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the whole plant contains saponins and iridoid glycosides that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. The dense woolly hairs may also cause skin irritation on contact. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution; not considered severely hazardous.

What to do if your cat ate dense-flowered mullein

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

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

Is dense-flowered mullein toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dense-flowered mullein toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dense-flowered 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 species are not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the whole plant contains saponins and iridoid glycosides that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. The dense woolly hairs may also cause skin irritation on contact. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution; not considered severely hazardous.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dense-flowered mullein?

Verbascum species are not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the whole plant contains saponins and iridoid glycosides that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. The dense woolly hairs may also cause skin irritation on contact. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution; not considered severely hazardous. 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 dense-flowered mullein.

What should I do if my cat ate dense-flowered 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.

Is dense-flowered mullein toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dense-flowered Mullein is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full dense-flowered mullein pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dense-flowered mullein?

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 dense-flowered mullein pet-safety