Is Sage-Leaved Rock Rose toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sage-leaved rock rose 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. Cistus salviifolius is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; it is not a member of any known systemically toxic plant genus. No toxic principles have been documented in published veterinary literature for Cistus species, but because it is not formally confirmed as non-toxic by ASPCA, 'mildly-toxic' is used as a precautionary classification. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.

Cistus salviifolius is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; it is not a member of any known systemically toxic plant genus. No toxic principles have been documented in published veterinary literature for Cistus species, but because it is not formally confirmed as non-toxic by ASPCA, 'mildly-toxic' is used as a precautionary classification. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. 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 sage-leaved rock rose.

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: Sage-Leaved Rock Rose is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full sage-leaved rock rose 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.