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Pet safety

Is Tutsan toxic to cats?

Hypericum androsaemum

Toxic to cats

Yes — tutsan 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. Hypericum (St. John's Wort genus) is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation — skin inflammation and ulcerative dermatitis on light-coloured or sparsely furred animals exposed to sunlight after ingestion. The ornamental berries are particularly attractive to pets but must not be eaten. Contact can also cause skin sensitisation in humans; wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your cat ate tutsan

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

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

Is tutsan toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tutsan toxic to cats?

Yes — tutsan is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hypericum (St. John's Wort genus) is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation — skin inflammation and ulcerative dermatitis on light-coloured or sparsely furred animals exposed to sunlight after ingestion. The ornamental berries are particularly attractive to pets but must not be eaten. Contact can also cause skin sensitisation in humans; wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tutsan?

Hypericum (St. John's Wort genus) is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation — skin inflammation and ulcerative dermatitis on light-coloured or sparsely furred animals exposed to sunlight after ingestion. The ornamental berries are particularly attractive to pets but must not be eaten. Contact can also cause skin sensitisation in humans; wear gloves when handling. 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 tutsan.

What should I do if my cat ate tutsan?

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 tutsan toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tutsan is toxic to dogs as well. See the full tutsan pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tutsan?

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 tutsan pet-safety