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
Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage is a popular culinary and ornamental herb known for its aromatic, grey-green foliage. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Common SageGarden SageSalvia officinalis
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Mounded shrub
- 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 typically expected; however, excessive consumption of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic, but if your cat consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected; however, excessive consumption of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic, but if your dog consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Sageis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Sage is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Salvia officinalis is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, widely used for culinary purposes.
Questions about Sage
Is sage toxic to cats?
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning your cat is not at risk of poisoning from contact with or nibbling on this herb.
What happens if my cat eats sage leaves?
Most cats will experience no symptoms at all. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous leaves, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant material, not any toxic compound.
How much sage is too much for a cat?
There is no toxic dose because sage is non-toxic, but non-toxic does not mean unlimited. Large quantities of any fibrous plant material can irritate your cat's digestive tract and cause temporary GI upset, so discourage repeated or heavy grazing.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate sage and seems uncomfortable?
If your cat ate a significant amount and is vomiting repeatedly, refusing food, or seems lethargic, contact your veterinarian. A small nibble causing brief stomach upset will typically resolve on its own, but persistent or worsening signs warrant a call.
Is sage toxic to dogs?
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning a dog that sniffs or nibbles the herb is not expected to experience any harmful effects.
What happens if a dog eats a lot of sage?
Sage is not poisonous, but the fibrous leaves can irritate the digestive tract in large amounts. Excessive consumption may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea that typically resolves on its own.
Should I call the vet if my dog ate sage from the garden?
A small nibble does not require a vet call. If your dog ate a large quantity and is showing signs of distress such as repeated vomiting, lethargy, or refuses to eat, contact your veterinarian.
Does the type of sage matter — culinary vs. ornamental — for dog safety?
The classification data covers Salvia officinalis, the common culinary and ornamental sage. Non-toxic status applies to this species; if your dog ate a plant sold under a different 'sage' common name, verify the Latin species with your vet or a poison hotline before assuming it is safe.
Same genus
More from the Salvia genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
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.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix acaulis
The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
