Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Golden St. John's Wort toxic to cats?

Hypericum frondosum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden st. john's wort 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. Like other Hypericum species, H. frondosum contains hypericin, which can cause photosensitisation and mild GI upset in pets if consumed. ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the Hypericum genus is not considered safe for pets and livestock. Contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate golden st. john's wort

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

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

Is golden st. john's wort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is golden st. john's wort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden st. john's wort 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. Like other Hypericum species, H. frondosum contains hypericin, which can cause photosensitisation and mild GI upset in pets if consumed. ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the Hypericum genus is not considered safe for pets and livestock. Contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats golden st. john's wort?

Like other Hypericum species, H. frondosum contains hypericin, which can cause photosensitisation and mild GI upset in pets if consumed. ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the Hypericum genus is not considered safe for pets and livestock. Contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs. 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 st. john's wort.

What should I do if my cat ate golden st. john's wort?

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 golden st. john's wort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Golden St. John's Wort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full golden st. john's wort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to golden st. john's wort?

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 golden st. john's wort pet-safety