Cats
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
cat safety reference
Is Summer Savory safe for cats?
Satureja hortensis
Summer Savory is a popular culinary herb known for its peppery flavor and aromatic foliage. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Satureja hortensisSavory
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright, branching
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Summer savory is safe to grow around cats — the ASPCA lists Satureja hortensis as non-toxic to cats with no toxic principles. A cat that nibbles the aromatic leaves may briefly vomit from the fiber but won't be poisoned.
Sources: ASPCA.
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, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows persistent digestive distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Summer Savoryis 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
Summer Savory is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Satureja hortensis is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family, commonly used in culinary applications.
Questions about Summer Savory
Is Summer Savory toxic to cats?
No, Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning you do not need to panic if your cat nibbles on it, though non-toxic does not mean it is beneficial for them to eat.
What happens if my cat eats Summer Savory?
Most cats will experience no symptoms at all. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea; these effects are due to the bulk of plant matter, not chemical toxicity.
How much Summer Savory would make my cat sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction. Digestive upset — if it occurs at all — is associated with large ingestions of fibrous material, so a cat that chews a few leaves is not at meaningful risk.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate a lot of Summer Savory?
If your cat consumed a large quantity and is showing persistent vomiting or diarrhea that does not resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian. A brief bout of mild GI upset after eating plant material is generally self-limiting and not an emergency.
Same cat verdict
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