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Pet safety

Is Scarlet Bee Balm toxic to cats?

Monarda didyma

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet bee balm 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 individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. Like other Monarda, it is widely regarded as low-risk and historically used as a herbal tea, but without an explicit ASPCA non-toxic listing it cannot be asserted pet-safe; large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before any deliberate pet use.

What to do if your cat ate scarlet bee balm

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

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

Is scarlet bee balm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is scarlet bee balm toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet bee balm 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 individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. Like other Monarda, it is widely regarded as low-risk and historically used as a herbal tea, but without an explicit ASPCA non-toxic listing it cannot be asserted pet-safe; large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before any deliberate pet use.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats scarlet bee balm?

Not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. Like other Monarda, it is widely regarded as low-risk and historically used as a herbal tea, but without an explicit ASPCA non-toxic listing it cannot be asserted pet-safe; large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before any deliberate pet use. 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 scarlet bee balm.

What should I do if my cat ate scarlet bee balm?

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 scarlet bee balm toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Scarlet Bee Balm is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full scarlet bee balm pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to scarlet bee balm?

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 scarlet bee balm pet-safety