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Pet safety

Is Shiso (Perilla) toxic to cats?

Perilla frutescens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shiso (perilla) 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. Perilla frutescens is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate shiso (perilla)

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move shiso (perilla) 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 shiso (perilla) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is shiso (perilla) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shiso (perilla) toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shiso (perilla) 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. Perilla frutescens is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shiso (perilla)?

Perilla frutescens is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 shiso (perilla).

What should I do if my cat ate shiso (perilla)?

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 shiso (perilla) toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Shiso (Perilla) is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full shiso (perilla) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to shiso (perilla)?

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 shiso (perilla) pet-safety