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Pet safety

Is Green Shiso toxic to cats?

Perilla frutescens var. frutescens

Toxic to cats

Yes — green shiso 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. Perilla frutescens is a documented toxic plant: although not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, veterinary toxicology sources (Colorado State University) record it as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress, with general gastrointestinal upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock; verify with a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate green shiso

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

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

Is green shiso toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is green shiso toxic to cats?

Yes — green shiso is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Perilla frutescens is a documented toxic plant: although not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, veterinary toxicology sources (Colorado State University) record it as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress, with general gastrointestinal upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock; verify with a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats green shiso?

Perilla frutescens is a documented toxic plant: although not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, veterinary toxicology sources (Colorado State University) record it as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress, with general gastrointestinal upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock; verify with a vet on ingestion. 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 green shiso.

What should I do if my cat ate green shiso?

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 green shiso toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to green shiso?

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 green shiso pet-safety