Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Turkestan Clary toxic to cats?

Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists turkestan clary 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. The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats.

What to do if your cat ate turkestan clary

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

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

Is turkestan clary toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is turkestan clary toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists turkestan clary 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. The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats turkestan clary?

The ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis (common sage) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is not individually assessed. The strongly aromatic essential oils present in clary sage (particularly linalool and linalyl acetate) can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin sensitisation if ingested in quantity. A precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. Keep away from cats especially, as clary sage essential oil is known to cause neurological excitement in cats. 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 turkestan clary.

What should I do if my cat ate turkestan clary?

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 turkestan clary toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Turkestan Clary is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full turkestan clary pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to turkestan clary?

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 turkestan clary pet-safety