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Is Geneva Bugle toxic to cats?

Ajuga genevensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists geneva bugle 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. Ajuga genevensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like others in the genus, it contains iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Not associated with severe toxicity, but ingestion should be discouraged in pets.

What to do if your cat ate geneva bugle

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

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

Is geneva bugle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is geneva bugle toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists geneva bugle 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. Ajuga genevensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like others in the genus, it contains iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Not associated with severe toxicity, but ingestion should be discouraged in pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats geneva bugle?

Ajuga genevensis is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like others in the genus, it contains iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Not associated with severe toxicity, but ingestion should be discouraged in pets. 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 geneva bugle.

What should I do if my cat ate geneva bugle?

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 geneva bugle toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Geneva Bugle is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full geneva bugle pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to geneva bugle?

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 geneva bugle pet-safety