Pet safety
Is Lemon verbena toxic to cats?
Aloysia citrodora
Yes — lemon verbena is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla, a synonym of A. citrodora) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses — the toxic principle is its essential oils, with stomach upset and colic as the reported clinical signs. The ASPCA notes small culinary or flavouring amounts are not a concern; the risk is a pet chewing the plant itself. If your pet has eaten lemon verbena foliage, call your vet or the ASPCA APCC on (888) 426-4435. Checked against the ASPCA listing 2026-07-30.
What to do if your cat ate lemon verbena
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move lemon verbena out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of lemon verbena to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten lemon verbena, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is lemon verbena toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is lemon verbena toxic to cats?
Yes — lemon verbena is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla, a synonym of A. citrodora) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses — the toxic principle is its essential oils, with stomach upset and colic as the reported clinical signs. The ASPCA notes small culinary or flavouring amounts are not a concern; the risk is a pet chewing the plant itself. If your pet has eaten lemon verbena foliage, call your vet or the ASPCA APCC on (888) 426-4435. Checked against the ASPCA listing 2026-07-30.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats lemon verbena?
The ASPCA lists Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla, a synonym of A. citrodora) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses — the toxic principle is its essential oils, with stomach upset and colic as the reported clinical signs. The ASPCA notes small culinary or flavouring amounts are not a concern; the risk is a pet chewing the plant itself. If your pet has eaten lemon verbena foliage, call your vet or the ASPCA APCC on (888) 426-4435. Checked against the ASPCA listing 2026-07-30. 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 verbena.
What should I do if my cat ate lemon verbena?
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 verbena toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lemon verbena is toxic to dogs as well. See the full lemon verbena pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to lemon verbena?
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 verbena pet-safety
- Is lemon verbena toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is lemon verbena toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate lemon verbena — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete lemon verbena care guide
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.