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Pet safety

Is Rock Hyssop toxic to cats?

Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rock 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. Hyssopus officinalis is not individually listed by the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe label cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Its essential oil is rich in pinocamphone, a ketone that can be neurotoxic in large doses, so prevent significant ingestion by pets.

What to do if your cat ate rock hyssop

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

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

Is rock hyssop toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rock hyssop toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rock 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. Hyssopus officinalis is not individually listed by the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe label cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Its essential oil is rich in pinocamphone, a ketone that can be neurotoxic in large doses, so prevent significant ingestion by pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rock hyssop?

Hyssopus officinalis is not individually listed by the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe label cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Its essential oil is rich in pinocamphone, a ketone that can be neurotoxic in large doses, so prevent significant ingestion by pets. 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 rock hyssop.

What should I do if my cat ate rock 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 rock hyssop toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rock 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 rock hyssop pet-safety