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Is Epazote toxic to cats?

Dysphania ambrosioides

Toxic to cats

Yes — epazote is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides). Toxic principles are essential oils, chiefly ascaridole, plus limonene and p-cymene. Low risk as a culinary spice but high if concentrated oils are ingested; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, with tremors or convulsions possible in severe oil poisoning.

What to do if your cat ate epazote

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move epazote 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 epazote to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is epazote toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is epazote toxic to cats?

Yes — epazote is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides). Toxic principles are essential oils, chiefly ascaridole, plus limonene and p-cymene. Low risk as a culinary spice but high if concentrated oils are ingested; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, with tremors or convulsions possible in severe oil poisoning.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats epazote?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides). Toxic principles are essential oils, chiefly ascaridole, plus limonene and p-cymene. Low risk as a culinary spice but high if concentrated oils are ingested; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, with tremors or convulsions possible in severe oil poisoning. 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 epazote.

What should I do if my cat ate epazote?

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 epazote toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Epazote is toxic to dogs as well. See the full epazote pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to epazote?

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 epazote pet-safety