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Is Mexican Oregano toxic to cats?

Lippia graveolens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mexican oregano 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. Lippia graveolens is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and the ASPCA does flag true oregano (Origanum) as a gastrointestinal irritant for cats and dogs. With Lippia's status unclear, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from grazing it, and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate mexican oregano

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

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

Is mexican oregano toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mexican oregano toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mexican oregano 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. Lippia graveolens is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and the ASPCA does flag true oregano (Origanum) as a gastrointestinal irritant for cats and dogs. With Lippia's status unclear, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from grazing it, and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mexican oregano?

Lippia graveolens is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and the ASPCA does flag true oregano (Origanum) as a gastrointestinal irritant for cats and dogs. With Lippia's status unclear, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from grazing it, and verify with 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 mexican oregano.

What should I do if my cat ate mexican 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is mexican oregano toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to mexican 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.

Full mexican oregano pet-safety