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Pet safety

Is Downy Sage toxic to cats?

Salvia puberula

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists downy sage 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. Salvia puberula is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Salvia genus is not a confirmed toxic group, but this species is not cleared as safe either. The velvety glandular hairs and aromatic oils present in the foliage could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (drooling, vomiting) in cats or dogs if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate downy sage

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

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

Is downy sage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is downy sage toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists downy sage 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. Salvia puberula is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Salvia genus is not a confirmed toxic group, but this species is not cleared as safe either. The velvety glandular hairs and aromatic oils present in the foliage could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (drooling, vomiting) in cats or dogs if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats downy sage?

Salvia puberula is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Salvia genus is not a confirmed toxic group, but this species is not cleared as safe either. The velvety glandular hairs and aromatic oils present in the foliage could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (drooling, vomiting) in cats or dogs if ingested. 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 downy sage.

What should I do if my cat ate downy sage?

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 downy sage toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Downy Sage is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full downy sage pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to downy sage?

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 downy sage pet-safety