Growli

Pet safety

Is Pogostemon stellatus toxic to cats?

Pogostemon stellatus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pogostemon stellatus 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. Pogostemon stellatus is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and the genus has no ASPCA classification. Treat as unverified; discourage pets from grazing aquarium plants and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate pogostemon stellatus

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

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

Is pogostemon stellatus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pogostemon stellatus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pogostemon stellatus 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. Pogostemon stellatus is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and the genus has no ASPCA classification. Treat as unverified; discourage pets from grazing aquarium plants and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pogostemon stellatus?

Pogostemon stellatus is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and the genus has no ASPCA classification. Treat as unverified; discourage pets from grazing aquarium plants and consult a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 pogostemon stellatus.

What should I do if my cat ate pogostemon stellatus?

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 pogostemon stellatus toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pogostemon stellatus?

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 pogostemon stellatus pet-safety