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Pet safety

Is Vervain toxic to cats?

Verbena officinalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists vervain 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. Verbena officinalis itself is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, the verbena genus contains species of varying toxicity, and to avoid confusion with related toxic plants (such as lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, which is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses), a 'mildly-toxic' caution is appropriate. Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your cat ate vervain

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

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

Is vervain toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is vervain toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists vervain 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. Verbena officinalis itself is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, the verbena genus contains species of varying toxicity, and to avoid confusion with related toxic plants (such as lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, which is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses), a 'mildly-toxic' caution is appropriate. Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats vervain?

Verbena officinalis itself is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, the verbena genus contains species of varying toxicity, and to avoid confusion with related toxic plants (such as lemon verbena, Aloysia triphylla, which is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses), a 'mildly-toxic' caution is appropriate. Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 vervain.

What should I do if my cat ate vervain?

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 vervain toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to vervain?

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 vervain pet-safety