Is Ribbed Melilot toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ribbed melilot 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. Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material.

Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material. 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 ribbed melilot.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ribbed Melilot is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full ribbed melilot pet-safety guide for both species.

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.