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Pet safety

Is Purple Bugle toxic to cats?

Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple bugle 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. Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea' is not individually listed by ASPCA. As with the species, bugleweed contains iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by dogs or cats in significant quantities. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution.

What to do if your cat ate purple bugle

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

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

Is purple bugle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is purple bugle toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple bugle 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. Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea' is not individually listed by ASPCA. As with the species, bugleweed contains iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by dogs or cats in significant quantities. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats purple bugle?

Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea' is not individually listed by ASPCA. As with the species, bugleweed contains iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by dogs or cats in significant quantities. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution. 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 purple bugle.

What should I do if my cat ate purple bugle?

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 purple bugle toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to purple bugle?

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 purple bugle pet-safety