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Pet safety

Is Moth Mullein toxic to cats?

Verbascum blattaria

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists moth mullein 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. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals.

What to do if your cat ate moth mullein

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

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

Is moth mullein toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is moth mullein toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists moth mullein 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. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats moth mullein?

Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals. 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 moth mullein.

What should I do if my cat ate moth mullein?

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 moth mullein toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to moth mullein?

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 moth mullein pet-safety