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Is Tangier Sage toxic to cats?

Salvia tingitana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tangier 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. Like other members of the Salvia genus, it may contain volatile monoterpene ketones. Ingestion by cats or dogs could cause mild gastrointestinal signs including nausea, drooling, or lethargy. Contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate tangier sage

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

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

Is tangier sage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tangier sage toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tangier 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. Like other members of the Salvia genus, it may contain volatile monoterpene ketones. Ingestion by cats or dogs could cause mild gastrointestinal signs including nausea, drooling, or lethargy. Contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tangier sage?

Not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other members of the Salvia genus, it may contain volatile monoterpene ketones. Ingestion by cats or dogs could cause mild gastrointestinal signs including nausea, drooling, or lethargy. Contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs. 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 tangier sage.

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

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

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