Is Rosemary safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Safe |
| Dogs | Safe |
Severity: Mild
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is classified as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA, making it one of the few common kitchen herbs that pet owners can grow without worrying about poisoning if a curious cat or dog takes a nibble.
Rosemary is also a familiar plant in California landscaping, prized for surviving the state's dry summers. The University of California Statewide IPM Program notes that rosemary "does best in areas with full sun and requires little to moderate amounts of water," and that "taller rosemary plants are often planted as hedges or in dry borders" while "smaller plants can be used as ground cover." UC IPM also notes that upright rosemary varieties are "generally cold tolerant" while "prostrate species suffer more damage," which can be useful to know when choosing a variety for an outdoor space shared with pets.
Because rosemary is both non-toxic and drought-tolerant, it is a low-worry choice for pet owners in California and other dry-summer climates who want an herb garden or landscaping border that a curious dog or cat can safely explore.
Facts and examples
- The UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM) notes rosemary "does best in areas with full sun and requires little to moderate amounts of water," and describes it as commonly planted as hedges, in dry borders, or as ground cover in California landscapes, with upright varieties more cold-tolerant than prostrate types. (source, verified 2026-07-31)
Verdict re-verified against aspca.org, 2026-07-31 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-07-31