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Pet safety

Is Meadowsweet toxic to cats?

Filipendula ulmaria

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists meadowsweet 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. Meadowsweet is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It contains salicylates (salicin, methyl salicylate) chemically related to aspirin, which cats in particular metabolise poorly. Ingestion may cause vomiting, lethargy or gastrointestinal upset, and it should be avoided in pets with bleeding disorders or on NSAIDs.

What to do if your cat ate meadowsweet

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

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

Is meadowsweet toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is meadowsweet toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists meadowsweet 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. Meadowsweet is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It contains salicylates (salicin, methyl salicylate) chemically related to aspirin, which cats in particular metabolise poorly. Ingestion may cause vomiting, lethargy or gastrointestinal upset, and it should be avoided in pets with bleeding disorders or on NSAIDs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats meadowsweet?

Meadowsweet is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It contains salicylates (salicin, methyl salicylate) chemically related to aspirin, which cats in particular metabolise poorly. Ingestion may cause vomiting, lethargy or gastrointestinal upset, and it should be avoided in pets with bleeding disorders or on NSAIDs. 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 meadowsweet.

What should I do if my cat ate meadowsweet?

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 meadowsweet toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to meadowsweet?

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 meadowsweet pet-safety