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Is Variegated Ground Ivy toxic to cats?

Glechoma hederacea 'Variegata'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated ground ivy 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. Shares the toxicity profile of the species, Glechoma hederacea. Not individually listed by ASPCA for cats or dogs. Documented toxic to horses in quantity. Volatile terpenoid oils may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling) in dogs and cats if ingested. Keep away from pets that browse plants; consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate variegated ground ivy

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

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

Is variegated ground ivy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated ground ivy toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated ground ivy 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. Shares the toxicity profile of the species, Glechoma hederacea. Not individually listed by ASPCA for cats or dogs. Documented toxic to horses in quantity. Volatile terpenoid oils may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling) in dogs and cats if ingested. Keep away from pets that browse plants; consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated ground ivy?

Shares the toxicity profile of the species, Glechoma hederacea. Not individually listed by ASPCA for cats or dogs. Documented toxic to horses in quantity. Volatile terpenoid oils may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling) in dogs and cats if ingested. Keep away from pets that browse plants; consult 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 variegated ground ivy.

What should I do if my cat ate variegated ground ivy?

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 variegated ground ivy toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Ground Ivy is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full variegated ground ivy pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated ground ivy?

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 variegated ground ivy pet-safety