Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
Pet safety reference
Greek Oregano
Origanum vulgare hirtum
Greek Oregano is a popular culinary herb known for its pungent, aromatic leaves and low-growing, spreading habit. While widely used in cooking, ingestion of large quantities by pets can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Greek OreganoOreganoOriganum vulgareOriganum vulgare hirtum
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Spreading, mounding
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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, but ingestion of large amounts may cause discomfort. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat consumes significant quantities.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential gastrointestinal upset.
Escalation note
While generally mild, ingestion of large amounts can irritate the digestive tract. Consult your veterinarian if you observe persistent symptoms.
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
Oregano is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to potential gastrointestinal irritation.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Origanum vulgare is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, commonly used as a culinary spice.
Questions about Greek Oregano
Is Greek oregano toxic to cats?
Yes, Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is considered potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, and concentrated oregano essential oil is more dangerous than chewed leaves.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Greek oregano?
The most common signs are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite. Symptoms are typically mild and usually appear within a few hours of ingestion, resolving within a day with supportive care.
What should I do if my cat ate Greek oregano?
Monitor your cat for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or refusal to eat. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if GI signs persist more than a few hours, your cat stops eating, or you suspect exposure to oregano essential oil rather than the plant itself.
Is oregano essential oil more dangerous to cats than the fresh herb?
Yes — concentrated oregano essential oil can cause more severe reactions than chewed leaves from the plant. If your cat was exposed to the oil rather than the herb, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 promptly even if symptoms seem mild initially.
Is Greek oregano toxic to dogs?
Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, particularly in larger quantities, though the effects are generally mild.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating oregano?
The most common signs are vomiting and diarrhea. Larger ingestions may also cause lethargy and decreased appetite. Oregano essential oil is more concerning and can additionally cause ataxia (loss of coordination) and more pronounced GI signs.
What should I do if my dog ate Greek oregano?
A few chewed leaves typically do not require a vet visit — monitor your dog for vomiting or diarrhea, which usually resolve within 24 hours with supportive care. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting persists, you see blood in the stool, or your dog was exposed to oregano essential oil rather than the herb itself.
Is oregano essential oil more dangerous to dogs than the fresh herb?
Yes. While fresh or dried Greek oregano leaves typically cause only mild GI upset, oregano essential oil is significantly more concentrated and can cause more pronounced gastrointestinal signs as well as ataxia. Contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately if your dog ingested any form of oregano oil.
Often compared with
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, variegated leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.