Pet safety
Is Green Shisotoxic to cats & dogs?
Perilla frutescens var. frutescens
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Perilla frutescens var. frutescens
Is green shiso safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists green shiso as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Perilla frutescens is a documented toxic plant: although not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, veterinary toxicology sources (Colorado State University) record it as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress, with general gastrointestinal upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock; verify with a vet on ingestion.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats green shiso?
Perilla frutescens is a documented toxic plant: although not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, veterinary toxicology sources (Colorado State University) record it as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress, with general gastrointestinal upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock; verify with a vet on ingestion. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to green shiso, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate green shiso
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move green shiso out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of green shiso to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to green shiso
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Green Shiso and pets — frequently asked questions
Is green shiso toxic to cats?
Green Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. frutescens) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Perilla frutescens is a documented toxic plant: although not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, veterinary toxicology sources (Colorado State University) record it as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress, with general gastrointestinal upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock; verify with a vet on ingestion. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is green shiso toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Green Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. frutescens) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like green shiso is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats green shiso?
Perilla frutescens is a documented toxic plant: although not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, veterinary toxicology sources (Colorado State University) record it as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress, with general gastrointestinal upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock; verify with a vet on ingestion. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to green shiso, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate green shiso?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of green shiso to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to green shiso?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full green shiso care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete green shiso care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.