Pet safety
Is Red Shisotoxic to cats & dogs?
Perilla frutescens var. crispa 'Atropurpurea'
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. crispa 'Atropurpurea'
Is red shiso safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists red 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. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats red shiso?
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. 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 red shiso, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate red shiso
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move red 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 red 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 red 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)
Red Shiso and pets — frequently asked questions
Is red shiso toxic to cats?
Red Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa 'Atropurpurea') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. 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 red shiso toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Red Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa 'Atropurpurea') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like red shiso is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats red shiso?
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. 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 red shiso, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate red 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 red shiso to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to red 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 red shiso care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete red shiso care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.