Plants and pets

Is rosemary toxic to cats and dogs?

Rosemary · Salvia rosmarinus (listed by ASPCA as Rosmarinus officinalis)

Cats: Non-toxic Dogs: Non-toxic
Plamp No. 018 Checked November 10, 2026

No. The ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

At a glance

PlantRosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (listed by ASPCA as Rosmarinus officinalis))
CatsNon-toxic
DogsNon-toxic
ASPCA pageRosemary, checked November 10, 2026

What else to know

ASPCA lists it under its older name, Rosmarinus officinalis. Botanists now place it in Salvia, as Salvia rosmarinus, which is the name NC State uses.

Its look-alike is the one to watch: ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to cats and dogs.

Look-alikes

  • Lavender: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Thin, blue-green leaves on both sides and spikes of flowers. Rosemary’s needle-like leaves are green on top and white underneath.

Care basics

Light: Full sun; tolerates part shade.

Soil and water: Light, well-drained soil that runs dry to medium. It tolerates drought but not wet, humid conditions or clay.

Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Salvia rosmarinus.

If your pet ate some

If your pet seems unwell after eating it, call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.

Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.

Sources

Checked November 10, 2026.

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