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Is Shrubby St. John's Wort toxic to cats?

Hypericum prolificum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shrubby st. john's wort 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. Hypericum species contain hypericin and pseudohypericin, which can cause photosensitisation in livestock, particularly in light-coloured animals. ASPCA does not individually list Hypericum prolificum, but the genus is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested in quantity; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. Keep pets from grazing on foliage.

What to do if your cat ate shrubby st. john's wort

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move shrubby 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 shrubby 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 shrubby 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 shrubby st. john's wort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shrubby st. john's wort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shrubby st. john's wort 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. Hypericum species contain hypericin and pseudohypericin, which can cause photosensitisation in livestock, particularly in light-coloured animals. ASPCA does not individually list Hypericum prolificum, but the genus is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested in quantity; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. Keep pets from grazing on foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shrubby st. john's wort?

Hypericum species contain hypericin and pseudohypericin, which can cause photosensitisation in livestock, particularly in light-coloured animals. ASPCA does not individually list Hypericum prolificum, but the genus is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested in quantity; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. Keep pets from grazing on foliage. 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 shrubby st. john's wort.

What should I do if my cat ate shrubby 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 shrubby st. john's wort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to shrubby 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 shrubby st. john's wort pet-safety