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If your cat ate shiso (perilla) — 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.

Shiso (Perilla) is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Shiso (Perilla) — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take shiso (perilla) 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 shiso (perilla) — FAQ

Is shiso (perilla) poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Shiso (Perilla) (Perilla frutescens) as mildly toxic to cats. Perilla frutescens is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your vet if ingestion is suspected.

How serious is it if my cat ate shiso (perilla)?

Shiso (Perilla) is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Perilla frutescens is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 shiso (perilla) well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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