What should I do if my cat ate Cuban Oregano?

Move the cat away from the plant and wipe any plant residue from the muzzle and paws with a damp cloth. Rinse the mouth gently with water if the cat tolerates it. Do not induce vomiting and do not give activated charcoal at home — VCA warns that home remedies can be dangerous with essential-oil exposures. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Call promptly for repeated vomiting, bloody vomit or stool, marked listlessness, or any sign of difficulty breathing. Cats metabolize phenolic essential-oil compounds poorly, so don't try to ride out symptoms.

What should I do if my dog ate Cuban Oregano?

Take the dog away from the plant and wipe any plant material from the mouth and coat. Offer fresh water. Do not induce vomiting at home — VCA cautions that emetics and activated charcoal can be problematic with essential-oil exposures. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Call promptly if vomiting won't stop, you see blood in vomit or stool, the dog seems wobbly or weak, or breathing changes. Even mild GI signs in a small dog or after a large ingestion warrant a same-day call.

Cuban Oregano — no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 — Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子iNaturalistCC0

Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子iNaturalistCC0

Pet safety reference

Cuban Oregano

Q: Is Cuban Oregano safe for cats?

Cuban Oregano is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion of plant material may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress.

Q: Is Cuban Oregano safe for dogs?

Cuban Oregano is potentially toxic to dogs. The essential oils in the leaves can be irritating to the digestive system. If your dog has ingested a significant amount, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Coleus amboinicus

The Bread and Butter plant is a succulent herb known for its aromatic, fleshy leaves often used in culinary applications. While popular as a kitchen herb, it contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Coleus amboinicusCuban OreganoIndian BorageMexican MintPlectranthus amboinicus

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Spreading succulent
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential lethargy or loss of appetite.

Escalation note

Ingestion of plant material may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

Escalation note

The essential oils in the leaves can be irritating to the digestive system. If your dog has ingested a significant amount, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Coleus amboinicus is listed as toxic to cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Plectranthus amboinicus is a tender perennial herb with succulent, aromatic leaves.

cats safety page My cat ate Cuban Oregano dogs safety page My dog ate Cuban Oregano

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