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Pet safety

Is Square-stalked St John's-wort toxic to cats?

Hypericum tetrapterum

Toxic to cats

Yes — square-stalked 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. As a Hypericum species, it contains hypericin, the toxic principle identified by the ASPCA in St John's Wort (H. perforatum), which is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Clinical signs include photosensitization and ulcerative dermatitis. The RHS also notes the fruits are not for consumption and recommends caution when handling. Treat as toxic to companion animals and keep pets away from the plant.

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

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

Is square-stalked st john's-wort toxic to cats?

Yes — square-stalked 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. As a Hypericum species, it contains hypericin, the toxic principle identified by the ASPCA in St John's Wort (H. perforatum), which is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Clinical signs include photosensitization and ulcerative dermatitis. The RHS also notes the fruits are not for consumption and recommends caution when handling. Treat as toxic to companion animals and keep pets away from the plant.

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

As a Hypericum species, it contains hypericin, the toxic principle identified by the ASPCA in St John's Wort (H. perforatum), which is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Clinical signs include photosensitization and ulcerative dermatitis. The RHS also notes the fruits are not for consumption and recommends caution when handling. Treat as toxic to companion animals and keep pets away from the plant. 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 square-stalked st john's-wort.

What should I do if my cat ate square-stalked 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 square-stalked st john's-wort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to square-stalked 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 square-stalked st john's-wort pet-safety