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Pet safety

Is Steppe Sage toxic to cats?

Salvia tesquicola

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists steppe 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The Salvia genus contains volatile monoterpene ketones; ingestion by cats or dogs may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, salivation, or lethargy. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant quantities.

What to do if your cat ate steppe sage

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

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

Is steppe sage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is steppe sage toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists steppe 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The Salvia genus contains volatile monoterpene ketones; ingestion by cats or dogs may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, salivation, or lethargy. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant quantities.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats steppe sage?

Not individually listed by ASPCA. The Salvia genus contains volatile monoterpene ketones; ingestion by cats or dogs may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, salivation, or lethargy. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant quantities. 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 steppe sage.

What should I do if my cat ate steppe 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 steppe sage toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to steppe 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 steppe sage pet-safety