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If your cat ate hairy st john's-wort — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Hairy St John's-wort is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Hairy St John's-wort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take hairy st john's-wort away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate hairy st john's-wort — FAQ

Is hairy st john's-wort poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Hairy St John's-wort (Hypericum hirsutum) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA classifies Hypericum (St John's Wort) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, a naphthodianthrone concentrated in glandular dots on the leaves and flowers. Clinical signs include photosensitization leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on unpigmented skin exposed to sunlight. H. hirsutum shares the same chemical profile as H. perforatum and should be treated as equally toxic.

How serious is it if my cat ate hairy st john's-wort?

Hairy St John's-wort is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA classifies Hypericum (St John's Wort) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, a naphthodianthrone concentrated in glandular dots on the leaves and flowers. Clinical signs include photosensitization leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on unpigmented skin exposed to sunlight. H. hirsutum shares the same chemical profile as H. perforatum and should be treated as equally toxic. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep hairy st john's-wort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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