Growli
Get the app

Pet safety

Is Golden Oregano toxic to cats?

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden oregano 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. Oregano in the Origanum genus is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs as a growing culinary herb. Large amounts eaten may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; keep concentrated oregano oil away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate golden oregano

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move golden oregano 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of golden oregano to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten golden oregano, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is golden oregano toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is golden oregano toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden oregano 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. Oregano in the Origanum genus is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs as a growing culinary herb. Large amounts eaten may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; keep concentrated oregano oil away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats golden oregano?

Oregano in the Origanum genus is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs as a growing culinary herb. Large amounts eaten may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; keep concentrated oregano oil away from pets. 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 golden oregano.

What should I do if my cat ate golden oregano?

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is golden oregano toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Golden Oregano is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full golden oregano pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to golden oregano?

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.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

Full golden oregano pet-safety

Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.