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Pet safety

Is Hyssop toxic to cats?

Hyssopus officinalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hyssop 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. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is treated as uncertain rather than confirmed pet-safe. The plant contains pinocamphone, a ketone that is neurotoxic in concentrated form (notably the essential oil); large ingestion may cause GI upset. Treat with caution, keep the oil away from pets, and verify with a vet on exposure.

What to do if your cat ate hyssop

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

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

Is hyssop toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hyssop toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hyssop 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. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is treated as uncertain rather than confirmed pet-safe. The plant contains pinocamphone, a ketone that is neurotoxic in concentrated form (notably the essential oil); large ingestion may cause GI upset. Treat with caution, keep the oil away from pets, and verify with a vet on exposure.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hyssop?

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is treated as uncertain rather than confirmed pet-safe. The plant contains pinocamphone, a ketone that is neurotoxic in concentrated form (notably the essential oil); large ingestion may cause GI upset. Treat with caution, keep the oil away from pets, and verify with a vet on exposure. 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 hyssop.

What should I do if my cat ate hyssop?

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 hyssop toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to hyssop?

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 hyssop pet-safety