Is Valerian toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists valerian 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. Valeriana officinalis is not on the ASPCA toxic-plant list and is generally regarded as low-toxicity, but it is not formally listed as non-toxic either, so it is treated as uncertain; verify with a vet. Notably, valerian acts as a catnip-like attractant and stimulant for many cats; large ingestions typically cause only mild vomiting or sedation.

Valeriana officinalis is not on the ASPCA toxic-plant list and is generally regarded as low-toxicity, but it is not formally listed as non-toxic either, so it is treated as uncertain; verify with a vet. Notably, valerian acts as a catnip-like attractant and stimulant for many cats; large ingestions typically cause only mild vomiting or sedation. 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 valerian.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

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

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.