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Is Winter Marjoram toxic to cats?

Origanum heracleoticum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists winter marjoram 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. Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Origanum heracleoticum (winter/Greek oregano) is closely related and contains the same phenolic compounds (thymol, carvacrol). Classified mildly-toxic consistent with the broader Origanum genus ASPCA listing.

What to do if your cat ate winter marjoram

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

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

Is winter marjoram toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is winter marjoram toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists winter marjoram 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. Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Origanum heracleoticum (winter/Greek oregano) is closely related and contains the same phenolic compounds (thymol, carvacrol). Classified mildly-toxic consistent with the broader Origanum genus ASPCA listing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats winter marjoram?

Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Origanum heracleoticum (winter/Greek oregano) is closely related and contains the same phenolic compounds (thymol, carvacrol). Classified mildly-toxic consistent with the broader Origanum genus ASPCA listing. 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 winter marjoram.

What should I do if my cat ate winter marjoram?

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 winter marjoram toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Winter Marjoram is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full winter marjoram pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to winter marjoram?

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 winter marjoram pet-safety