Pet safety
Is Perforate St John's-worttoxic to cats & dogs?
Hypericum perforatum
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Hypericum perforatum
Is perforate st john's-wort safe for cats and dogs?
No — perforate st john's-wort is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. ASPCA confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic principle: hypericin (a naphthodianthrone). Clinical signs include photosensitization causing ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on lightly pigmented or unprotected skin exposed to sunlight. Additional reported signs in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases neurological signs. Keep all pets away from the plant and any herbal preparations.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats perforate st john's-wort?
ASPCA confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic principle: hypericin (a naphthodianthrone). Clinical signs include photosensitization causing ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on lightly pigmented or unprotected skin exposed to sunlight. Additional reported signs in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases neurological signs. Keep all pets away from the plant and any herbal preparations. 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 perforate st john's-wort, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate perforate st john's-wort
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move perforate st john's-wort 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 perforate st john's-wort 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 perforate st john's-wort
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)
Perforate St John's-wort and pets — frequently asked questions
Is perforate st john's-wort toxic to cats?
Perforate St John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic principle: hypericin (a naphthodianthrone). Clinical signs include photosensitization causing ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on lightly pigmented or unprotected skin exposed to sunlight. Additional reported signs in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases neurological signs. Keep all pets away from the plant and any herbal preparations. 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 perforate st john's-wort toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Perforate St John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like perforate st john's-wort is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats perforate st john's-wort?
ASPCA confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic principle: hypericin (a naphthodianthrone). Clinical signs include photosensitization causing ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on lightly pigmented or unprotected skin exposed to sunlight. Additional reported signs in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases neurological signs. Keep all pets away from the plant and any herbal preparations. 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 perforate st john's-wort, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate perforate st john's-wort?
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 perforate st john's-wort to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to perforate st john's-wort?
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 perforate st john's-wort care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete perforate st john's-wort care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.