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If your cat ate shrubby 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.

Shrubby St John's Wort is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Shrubby St John's Wort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take shrubby 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 shrubby st john's wort — FAQ

Is shrubby st john's wort poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Shrubby St John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists St. John's Wort (Hypericum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; H. calycinum belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-skinned or exposed areas after ingestion. Contact with the flowers can also cause dermatitis.

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

Shrubby 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 lists St. John's Wort (Hypericum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; H. calycinum belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-skinned or exposed areas after ingestion. Contact with the flowers can also cause dermatitis. 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 shrubby 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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