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Pet safety

Is Lamb's Ear toxic to cats?

Stachys byzantina

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lamb's ear 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. Lamb's ear is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so it cannot be asserted as verified pet-safe (online claims that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic are not supported by the official database); treat with caution and verify with a vet. No significant toxic principle is documented, but the woolly leaves and tannins may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset if eaten in quantity.

What to do if your cat ate lamb's ear

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

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

Is lamb's ear toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lamb's ear toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lamb's ear 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. Lamb's ear is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so it cannot be asserted as verified pet-safe (online claims that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic are not supported by the official database); treat with caution and verify with a vet. No significant toxic principle is documented, but the woolly leaves and tannins may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset if eaten in quantity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lamb's ear?

Lamb's ear is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so it cannot be asserted as verified pet-safe (online claims that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic are not supported by the official database); treat with caution and verify with a vet. No significant toxic principle is documented, but the woolly leaves and tannins may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset if eaten in quantity. 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 lamb's ear.

What should I do if my cat ate lamb's ear?

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 lamb's ear toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lamb's Ear is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lamb's ear pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lamb's ear?

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 lamb's ear pet-safety