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Pet safety

Is Saw-wort toxic to cats?

Serratula tinctoria

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists saw-wort 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 listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxic compounds have been identified, but the plant has not been formally cleared as pet-safe. As a precaution, classify as mildly toxic; ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your cat ate saw-wort

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

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

Is saw-wort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is saw-wort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists saw-wort 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 listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxic compounds have been identified, but the plant has not been formally cleared as pet-safe. As a precaution, classify as mildly toxic; ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats saw-wort?

Not listed by the ASPCA. No specific toxic compounds have been identified, but the plant has not been formally cleared as pet-safe. As a precaution, classify as mildly toxic; ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 saw-wort.

What should I do if my cat ate saw-wort?

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 saw-wort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to saw-wort?

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 saw-wort pet-safety