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Pet safety

Is Monarda Cambridge Scarlet toxic to cats?

Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists monarda cambridge scarlet 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 (bee balm) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so its status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As with most aromatic herbs, eating large amounts of the minty foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your cat ate monarda cambridge scarlet

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move monarda cambridge scarlet 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of monarda cambridge scarlet to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten monarda cambridge scarlet, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is monarda cambridge scarlet toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is monarda cambridge scarlet toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists monarda cambridge scarlet 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 (bee balm) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so its status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As with most aromatic herbs, eating large amounts of the minty foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats monarda cambridge scarlet?

Monarda (bee balm) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so its status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As with most aromatic herbs, eating large amounts of the minty foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 monarda cambridge scarlet.

What should I do if my cat ate monarda cambridge scarlet?

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is monarda cambridge scarlet toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Monarda Cambridge Scarlet is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full monarda cambridge scarlet pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to monarda cambridge scarlet?

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.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

Full monarda cambridge scarlet pet-safety

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