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Is Perforate St John's-wort toxic to cats?

Hypericum perforatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — perforate st john's-wort 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. ASPCA confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic principle: hypericin (a naphthodianthrone). Clinical signs include photosensitization causing ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on lightly pigmented or unprotected skin exposed to sunlight. Additional reported signs in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases neurological signs. Keep all pets away from the plant and any herbal preparations.

What to do if your cat ate perforate st john's-wort

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move perforate st john's-wort 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 perforate st john's-wort to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is perforate st john's-wort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is perforate st john's-wort toxic to cats?

Yes — perforate st john's-wort is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic principle: hypericin (a naphthodianthrone). Clinical signs include photosensitization causing ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on lightly pigmented or unprotected skin exposed to sunlight. Additional reported signs in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases neurological signs. Keep all pets away from the plant and any herbal preparations.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats perforate st john's-wort?

ASPCA confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic principle: hypericin (a naphthodianthrone). Clinical signs include photosensitization causing ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on lightly pigmented or unprotected skin exposed to sunlight. Additional reported signs in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases neurological signs. Keep all pets away from the plant and any herbal preparations. 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 perforate st john's-wort.

What should I do if my cat ate perforate st john's-wort?

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 perforate st john's-wort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Perforate St John's-wort is toxic to dogs as well. See the full perforate st john's-wort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to perforate st john's-wort?

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 perforate st john's-wort pet-safety