Pet safety
Is Shiso (Perilla)toxic to cats & dogs?
Perilla frutescens
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Perilla frutescens
Is shiso (perilla) safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Shiso (Perilla) is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. 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 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats shiso (perilla)?
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. 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 shiso (perilla), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate shiso (perilla)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move shiso (perilla) 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 shiso (perilla) 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 shiso (perilla)
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)
Shiso (Perilla) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is shiso (perilla) toxic to cats?
Shiso (Perilla) (Perilla frutescens) is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. 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 shiso (perilla) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Shiso (Perilla) is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like shiso (perilla) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats shiso (perilla)?
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. 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 shiso (perilla), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate shiso (perilla)?
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 shiso (perilla) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to shiso (perilla)?
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 shiso (perilla) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete shiso (perilla) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.