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Pet safety

Is Thyme-leaved Sandwort toxic to cats?

Arenaria serpyllifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists thyme-leaved sandwort 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. Arenaria serpyllifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and no reports of significant toxicity to cats or dogs appear in veterinary literature. As ASPCA non-toxic status is unconfirmed, it is classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate thyme-leaved sandwort

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move thyme-leaved sandwort 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 thyme-leaved sandwort to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is thyme-leaved sandwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is thyme-leaved sandwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists thyme-leaved sandwort 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. Arenaria serpyllifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and no reports of significant toxicity to cats or dogs appear in veterinary literature. As ASPCA non-toxic status is unconfirmed, it is classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats thyme-leaved sandwort?

Arenaria serpyllifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and no reports of significant toxicity to cats or dogs appear in veterinary literature. As ASPCA non-toxic status is unconfirmed, it is classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected. 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 thyme-leaved sandwort.

What should I do if my cat ate thyme-leaved sandwort?

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 thyme-leaved sandwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Thyme-leaved Sandwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full thyme-leaved sandwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to thyme-leaved sandwort?

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 thyme-leaved sandwort pet-safety