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Pet safety

Is White Hyssop toxic to cats?

Hyssopus officinalis 'Albus'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white hyssop 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. Hyssopus officinalis is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database for cats or dogs. However, the essential oils in hyssop — particularly pinocamphone — are known to have potential neurotoxic effects in high doses, and the herb is contraindicated in large quantities, especially for cats. Treat with caution around pets and prevent deliberate ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate white hyssop

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

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

Is white hyssop toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white hyssop toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white hyssop 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. Hyssopus officinalis is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database for cats or dogs. However, the essential oils in hyssop — particularly pinocamphone — are known to have potential neurotoxic effects in high doses, and the herb is contraindicated in large quantities, especially for cats. Treat with caution around pets and prevent deliberate ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats white hyssop?

Hyssopus officinalis is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database for cats or dogs. However, the essential oils in hyssop — particularly pinocamphone — are known to have potential neurotoxic effects in high doses, and the herb is contraindicated in large quantities, especially for cats. Treat with caution around pets and prevent deliberate 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 white hyssop.

What should I do if my cat ate white hyssop?

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 white hyssop toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: White Hyssop is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full white hyssop pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to white hyssop?

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 white hyssop pet-safety