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Is Spiny Germander toxic to cats?

Teucrium subspinosum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spiny germander 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. As a member of the Teucrium genus, T. subspinosum likely contains neoclerodane diterpenes associated with hepatotoxicity in the broader genus. It is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be avoided.

What to do if your cat ate spiny germander

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

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

Is spiny germander toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spiny germander toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spiny germander 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. As a member of the Teucrium genus, T. subspinosum likely contains neoclerodane diterpenes associated with hepatotoxicity in the broader genus. It is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be avoided.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spiny germander?

As a member of the Teucrium genus, T. subspinosum likely contains neoclerodane diterpenes associated with hepatotoxicity in the broader genus. It is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Ingestion by pets or people should be avoided. 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 spiny germander.

What should I do if my cat ate spiny germander?

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 spiny germander toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spiny Germander is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full spiny germander pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to spiny germander?

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 spiny germander pet-safety