Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm is a fragrant, perennial herb in the mint family often grown for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is generally considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Bee BalmMelissa officinalisSweet Balm
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Clumping herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, excessive consumption of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, excessive consumption of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Lemon Balmis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Lemon Balm is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Melissa officinalis is a hardy perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as Lemon Balm.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp.
Coreopsis is a popular genus of flowering plants in the aster family, widely grown for their cheerful, daisy-like blooms. They are generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Tickseed
Coreopsis californica
Tickseed is a cheerful, daisy-like flowering plant often found in gardens and meadows. It is considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
African Violets are popular, low-growing flowering houseplants known for their fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Blue-dicks
Dichelostemma pulchellum
Dichelostemma pulchellum is a cormous perennial wildflower native to western North America, known for its clusters of violet-blue, tubular flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Showy Fleabane
Erigeron speciosus
Erigeron speciosus is a perennial flowering plant in the daisy family known for its showy, lavender-blue blooms. While popular in gardens, it is considered toxic to household pets if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Yellowrocket
Barbarea vulgaris
Yellowrocket is a hardy, flowering biennial herb often found in fields and gardens. While it is considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Bog Laurel
Kalmia poliifolia
Bog Laurel is a small, evergreen shrub native to North American wetlands, known for its clusters of delicate, cup-shaped pink flowers. It contains grayanotoxins, which are highly dangerous if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.