Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Golden Oregano toxic to cats?

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden 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. The ASPCA lists Origanum vulgare hirtum (oregano) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Concentrated essential oils are significantly more harmful than incidental leaf contact. 'Aureum' is the same species and carries the same risk profile.

What to do if your cat ate golden oregano

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

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

Is golden oregano toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is golden oregano toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden 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. The ASPCA lists Origanum vulgare hirtum (oregano) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Concentrated essential oils are significantly more harmful than incidental leaf contact. 'Aureum' is the same species and carries the same risk profile.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats golden oregano?

The ASPCA lists Origanum vulgare hirtum (oregano) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Concentrated essential oils are significantly more harmful than incidental leaf contact. 'Aureum' is the same species and carries the same risk profile. 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 golden oregano.

What should I do if my cat ate golden 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 golden oregano toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to golden 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 golden oregano pet-safety