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Pet safety

Is Nettle-leaved Mullein toxic to cats?

Verbascum chaixii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nettle-leaved 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 chaixii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other mullein species, it contains saponins and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. The hairy foliage can also irritate skin. Not considered severely hazardous but treat with caution around pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate nettle-leaved mullein

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

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

Is nettle-leaved mullein toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is nettle-leaved mullein toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nettle-leaved 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 chaixii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other mullein species, it contains saponins and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. The hairy foliage can also irritate skin. Not considered severely hazardous but treat with caution around pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats nettle-leaved mullein?

Verbascum chaixii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other mullein species, it contains saponins and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. The hairy foliage can also irritate skin. Not considered severely hazardous but treat with caution around pets and children. 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 nettle-leaved mullein.

What should I do if my cat ate nettle-leaved 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 nettle-leaved mullein toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to nettle-leaved 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 nettle-leaved mullein pet-safety