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Is Wall Germander toxic to cats?

Teucrium chamaedrys

Toxic to cats

Yes — wall germander is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets.

What to do if your cat ate wall germander

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

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

Is wall germander toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wall germander toxic to cats?

Yes — wall germander is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wall germander?

Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets. 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 wall germander.

What should I do if my cat ate wall germander?

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 wall germander toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wall Germander is toxic to dogs as well. See the full wall germander pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wall germander?

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 wall germander pet-safety