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

Hypericum patulum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists goldencup 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. H. patulum contains hypericin and related naphthodianthrones. While not rated as highly toxic, the Hypericum genus is considered mildly toxic to pets (dogs, cats) and livestock, potentially causing photosensitisation and GI upset. ASPCA does not specifically list this species as non-toxic; exercise caution and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

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

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move goldencup 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 goldencup 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 goldencup 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 goldencup st. john's wort toxic to cats? — FAQ

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

Mildly. The ASPCA lists goldencup 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. H. patulum contains hypericin and related naphthodianthrones. While not rated as highly toxic, the Hypericum genus is considered mildly toxic to pets (dogs, cats) and livestock, potentially causing photosensitisation and GI upset. ASPCA does not specifically list this species as non-toxic; exercise caution and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

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

H. patulum contains hypericin and related naphthodianthrones. While not rated as highly toxic, the Hypericum genus is considered mildly toxic to pets (dogs, cats) and livestock, potentially causing photosensitisation and GI upset. ASPCA does not specifically list this species as non-toxic; exercise caution and consult a vet if 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 goldencup st. john's wort.

What should I do if my cat ate goldencup 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 goldencup st. john's wort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to goldencup 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 goldencup st. john's wort pet-safety