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Pet safety

Is Rue toxic to cats?

Ruta graveolens

Toxic to cats

Yes — rue is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Rue contains furanocoumarins and volatile oils and is widely reported toxic to dogs and cats, with ingestion causing vomiting, depression, drooling and weakness. The sap is also strongly phototoxic, raising blisters on skin exposed to sunlight in both pets and people. Although not on the ASPCA non-toxic list, multiple veterinary and horticultural sources class it as toxic, so keep it away from pets and handle with gloves.

What to do if your cat ate rue

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

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

Is rue toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rue toxic to cats?

Yes — rue is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Rue contains furanocoumarins and volatile oils and is widely reported toxic to dogs and cats, with ingestion causing vomiting, depression, drooling and weakness. The sap is also strongly phototoxic, raising blisters on skin exposed to sunlight in both pets and people. Although not on the ASPCA non-toxic list, multiple veterinary and horticultural sources class it as toxic, so keep it away from pets and handle with gloves.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rue?

Rue contains furanocoumarins and volatile oils and is widely reported toxic to dogs and cats, with ingestion causing vomiting, depression, drooling and weakness. The sap is also strongly phototoxic, raising blisters on skin exposed to sunlight in both pets and people. Although not on the ASPCA non-toxic list, multiple veterinary and horticultural sources class it as toxic, so keep it away from pets and handle with gloves. 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 rue.

What should I do if my cat ate rue?

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 rue toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rue?

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 rue pet-safety