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Is Marsh Woundwort toxic to cats?

Stachys palustris

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists marsh woundwort 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. Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets.

What to do if your cat ate marsh woundwort

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

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

Is marsh woundwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is marsh woundwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists marsh woundwort 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. Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats marsh woundwort?

Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by 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 marsh woundwort.

What should I do if my cat ate marsh woundwort?

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 marsh woundwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Marsh Woundwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full marsh woundwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to marsh woundwort?

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 marsh woundwort pet-safety