Is Salvia yangii toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists salvia yangii 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. Russian sage (Salvia yangii, formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and its former Perovskia genus is not covered by the ASPCA's non-toxic Salvia (sage) entries. While generally regarded as low-risk, treat it as uncertain, keep pets from grazing it, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.

Russian sage (Salvia yangii, formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and its former Perovskia genus is not covered by the ASPCA's non-toxic Salvia (sage) entries. While generally regarded as low-risk, treat it as uncertain, keep pets from grazing it, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 salvia yangii.

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: Salvia yangii is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full salvia yangii 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.