What should I do if my cat ate Sweet Marjoram?

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues past 12 hours, if your cat seems lethargic or stops eating, or if a young or small cat ate a large amount. For concentrated marjoram essential oil exposure (skin or oral), call right away.

What should I do if my dog ate Sweet Marjoram?

Call if vomiting or diarrhea persists past 24 hours, the dog can't keep water down, or you see blood in vomit/stool. Call immediately for any contact with concentrated marjoram or oregano essential oil, especially in small or young dogs.

Sweet Marjoram — (c) Christoph Zurnieden, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) Christoph Zurnieden, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Christoph Zurnieden, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Sweet Marjoram

Q: Is Sweet Marjoram safe for cats?

Sweet Marjoram is potentially toxic to cats. Symptoms are typically mild to moderate. If your cat has ingested a significant amount of the plant, please contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Q: Is Sweet Marjoram safe for dogs?

Sweet Marjoram is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion usually results in mild digestive upset. Monitor your pet closely and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist or if a large quantity was consumed.

Origanum majorana

Marjoram is a popular culinary herb often grown in kitchen gardens or as a potted plant. While widely used in cooking, ingestion of large quantities by pets can lead to gastrointestinal distress.

Check a list

Knotted MarjoramOriganum hortensisOriganum majoranaSweet Marjoram

Light: Full sun
Habit: Mounding
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 gastrointestinal irritation.

Escalation note

Symptoms are typically mild to moderate. If your cat has ingested a significant amount of the plant, please contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential gastrointestinal upset.

Escalation note

Ingestion usually results in mild digestive upset. Monitor your pet closely and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist or if a large quantity was consumed.

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

Marjoram is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to potential gastrointestinal irritation.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Origanum majorana is a tender perennial herb often grown as an annual, valued for its aromatic leaves.

cats safety page My cat ate Sweet Marjoram dogs safety page My dog ate Sweet Marjoram

Often compared with

Sweet Marjoram vs Greek Oregano

Same safety verdict

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Same growing conditions

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Sage

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