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Is Vietnamese Perilla toxic to cats?

Perilla frutescens var. purpurascens

Toxic to cats

Yes — vietnamese perilla 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 form of Perilla frutescens, this plant is documented as toxic: not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, but veterinary toxicology references (Colorado State University) class Perilla as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, causing acute respiratory distress, with GI-upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock and verify with a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate vietnamese perilla

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

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

Is vietnamese perilla toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is vietnamese perilla toxic to cats?

Yes — vietnamese perilla is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a form of Perilla frutescens, this plant is documented as toxic: not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, but veterinary toxicology references (Colorado State University) class Perilla as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, causing acute respiratory distress, with GI-upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock and verify with a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats vietnamese perilla?

As a form of Perilla frutescens, this plant is documented as toxic: not individually on the ASPCA cat/dog list, but veterinary toxicology references (Colorado State University) class Perilla as poisonous to grazing animals via perilla ketone, causing acute respiratory distress, with GI-upset risk to pets. Keep away from cats, dogs, and livestock and verify with a vet on ingestion. 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 vietnamese perilla.

What should I do if my cat ate vietnamese 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 vietnamese perilla toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to vietnamese 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 vietnamese perilla pet-safety