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Is Bellhop Plant toxic to cats?

Origanum rotundifolium

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bellhop plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists marjoram (Origanum majorana) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset via irritant essential oils. Origanum rotundifolium is in the same genus and has a similar chemistry; it is not individually listed by the ASPCA but should be treated with the same caution. Keep pets from grazing on it.

What to do if your cat ate bellhop plant

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bellhop plant out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of bellhop plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten bellhop plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is bellhop plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bellhop plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bellhop plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA lists marjoram (Origanum majorana) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset via irritant essential oils. Origanum rotundifolium is in the same genus and has a similar chemistry; it is not individually listed by the ASPCA but should be treated with the same caution. Keep pets from grazing on it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bellhop plant?

The ASPCA lists marjoram (Origanum majorana) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset via irritant essential oils. Origanum rotundifolium is in the same genus and has a similar chemistry; it is not individually listed by the ASPCA but should be treated with the same caution. Keep pets from grazing on it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to bellhop plant.

What should I do if my cat ate bellhop plant?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is bellhop plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bellhop Plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bellhop plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bellhop plant?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bellhop plant pet-safety