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Is Lemon Bee Balm toxic to cats?

Monarda citriodora

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lemon bee balm 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. Monarda citriodora is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like other aromatic mint-family herbs, eating large amounts of the leaves may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.

What to do if your cat ate lemon bee balm

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

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

Is lemon bee balm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lemon bee balm toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lemon bee balm 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. Monarda citriodora is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like other aromatic mint-family herbs, eating large amounts of the leaves may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lemon bee balm?

Monarda citriodora is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like other aromatic mint-family herbs, eating large amounts of the leaves may cause mild gastrointestinal upset 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 lemon bee balm.

What should I do if my cat ate lemon bee balm?

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 lemon bee balm toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lemon Bee Balm is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lemon bee balm pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lemon bee balm?

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 lemon bee balm pet-safety