Pet safety
Is Greek Oregano toxic to cats?
Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum
Yes — greek oregano 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. The ASPCA lists Oregano — naming Origanum vulgare hirtum, which is this plant — as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The entry reads “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses”, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhoea as the reported effect. Verified 2026-07-29. This page previously said the opposite — that Origanum was ASPCA-listed as non-toxic — which is the reverse of what the entry says about this exact subspecies. A chewing pet typically gets an upset stomach rather than a medical emergency, but keep it out of reach and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK if a large amount is eaten.
What to do if your cat ate greek oregano
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move greek oregano out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you 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.
- Bring a leaf or photo of greek oregano to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten greek 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 greek oregano toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is greek oregano toxic to cats?
Yes — greek oregano is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Oregano — naming Origanum vulgare hirtum, which is this plant — as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The entry reads “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses”, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhoea as the reported effect. Verified 2026-07-29. This page previously said the opposite — that Origanum was ASPCA-listed as non-toxic — which is the reverse of what the entry says about this exact subspecies. A chewing pet typically gets an upset stomach rather than a medical emergency, but keep it out of reach and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK if a large amount is eaten.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats greek oregano?
The ASPCA lists Oregano — naming Origanum vulgare hirtum, which is this plant — as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The entry reads “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses”, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhoea as the reported effect. Verified 2026-07-29. This page previously said the opposite — that Origanum was ASPCA-listed as non-toxic — which is the reverse of what the entry says about this exact subspecies. A chewing pet typically gets an upset stomach rather than a medical emergency, but keep it out of reach and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK if a large amount is eaten. 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 greek oregano.
What should I do if my cat ate greek 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 greek oregano toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Greek Oregano is toxic to dogs as well. See the full greek oregano pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to greek 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 greek oregano pet-safety
- Is oregano toxic to cats? — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is greek oregano toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is greek oregano toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate greek oregano — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete greek oregano care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.