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Is Scarlet Sage toxic to cats?

Salvia splendens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet sage 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. Salvia splendens is not individually listed as toxic or non-toxic by the ASPCA. However, peer-reviewed research (Qureshi et al., Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1989; PubMed ID 16414649) found that aqueous extract of S. splendens has documented anticoagulant activity when tested in dogs, with an LD50 of 1,287 mg/kg. While large quantities are required for serious effects, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. If a pet — particularly a dog — ingests significant quantities of flowers, aerial parts, or roots, seek veterinary advice promptly.

What to do if your cat ate scarlet sage

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

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

Is scarlet sage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is scarlet sage toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet sage 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. Salvia splendens is not individually listed as toxic or non-toxic by the ASPCA. However, peer-reviewed research (Qureshi et al., Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1989; PubMed ID 16414649) found that aqueous extract of S. splendens has documented anticoagulant activity when tested in dogs, with an LD50 of 1,287 mg/kg. While large quantities are required for serious effects, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. If a pet — particularly a dog — ingests significant quantities of flowers, aerial parts, or roots, seek veterinary advice promptly.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats scarlet sage?

Salvia splendens is not individually listed as toxic or non-toxic by the ASPCA. However, peer-reviewed research (Qureshi et al., Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1989; PubMed ID 16414649) found that aqueous extract of S. splendens has documented anticoagulant activity when tested in dogs, with an LD50 of 1,287 mg/kg. While large quantities are required for serious effects, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. If a pet — particularly a dog — ingests significant quantities of flowers, aerial parts, or roots, seek veterinary advice promptly. 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 sage.

What should I do if my cat ate scarlet sage?

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 sage toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to scarlet sage?

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 sage pet-safety