Oregano
Origanum vulgare hirtum · Lamiaceae
How it looks
Oregano is a small herb with small, round dark green leaves arranged opposite; rubbing the leaves releases a strong pizza and Italian-cooking aroma. Small white to pale pink flowers gather at the branch tips. It reaches 12-24 in (30-60 cm) tall and is grown in pots and gardens.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Oregano contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Oregano rarely leads to serious trouble, but its essential oils can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Origanum vulgare hirtum
- Common name
- Oregano
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Essential oils
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Lamiaceae
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