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If your cat ate red shiso — 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.

Red Shiso is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Red Shiso — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take red shiso 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 red shiso — FAQ

Is red shiso poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Red Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa 'Atropurpurea') as toxic to cats. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Perilla mint, Perilla frutescens). Toxic principles are essential oils, including perilla ketone. Large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats; the perilla ketones cause severe respiratory disease (atypical interstitial pneumonia) in horses and ruminants, so keep pets and livestock away.

How serious is it if my cat ate red shiso?

Red Shiso 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Perilla mint, Perilla frutescens). Toxic principles are essential oils, including perilla ketone. Large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats; the perilla ketones cause severe respiratory disease (atypical interstitial pneumonia) in horses and ruminants, so keep pets and livestock away. 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 red shiso well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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