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Is Shrubby St John's Wort toxic to cats?

Hypericum calycinum

Toxic to cats

Yes — shrubby 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. The ASPCA lists St. John's Wort (Hypericum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; H. calycinum belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-skinned or exposed areas after ingestion. Contact with the flowers can also cause dermatitis.

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?

Yes — shrubby 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. The ASPCA lists St. John's Wort (Hypericum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; H. calycinum belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-skinned or exposed areas after ingestion. Contact with the flowers can also cause dermatitis.

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

The ASPCA lists St. John's Wort (Hypericum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; H. calycinum belongs to the same genus. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-skinned or exposed areas after ingestion. Contact with the flowers can also cause dermatitis. 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 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