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Is Red Valerian toxic to cats?

Centranthus ruber

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red valerian 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. Not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is unconfirmed. It is widely regarded as low-risk and lacks the cardiac glycosides of true valerian, but without an ASPCA listing it is treated with caution; verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity.

What to do if your cat ate red valerian

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

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

Is red valerian toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red valerian toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red valerian 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. Not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is unconfirmed. It is widely regarded as low-risk and lacks the cardiac glycosides of true valerian, but without an ASPCA listing it is treated with caution; verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red valerian?

Not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is unconfirmed. It is widely regarded as low-risk and lacks the cardiac glycosides of true valerian, but without an ASPCA listing it is treated with caution; verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity. 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 red valerian.

What should I do if my cat ate red valerian?

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 red valerian toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red Valerian is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full red valerian pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to red valerian?

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 red valerian pet-safety