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Is Ornamental Oregano toxic to cats?

Origanum × hybridum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ornamental 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 both oregano (Origanum vulgare) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, with gastrointestinal irritants (volatile phenolic oils) causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Origanum × hybridum cultivars contain the same essential oils; treat as mildly toxic consistent with the genus-level ASPCA listings.

What to do if your cat ate ornamental oregano

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

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

Is ornamental oregano toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ornamental oregano toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ornamental 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 both oregano (Origanum vulgare) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, with gastrointestinal irritants (volatile phenolic oils) causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Origanum × hybridum cultivars contain the same essential oils; treat as mildly toxic consistent with the genus-level ASPCA listings.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ornamental oregano?

The ASPCA lists both oregano (Origanum vulgare) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) as mildly toxic to dogs and cats, with gastrointestinal irritants (volatile phenolic oils) causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Origanum × hybridum cultivars contain the same essential oils; treat as mildly toxic consistent with the genus-level ASPCA listings. 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 ornamental oregano.

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

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

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