Is Jasmine toxic to cats?
Jasmine (true jasmine, the genus Jasminum) is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe) according to the ASPCA — but several unrelated plants sold as jasmine are not, so check that the label says Jasminum.
- TOXINnone — no toxic principles on record
- WHAT TO EXPECTno symptoms on record
- CALL THE VETSee a vet if unusual or persistent symptoms follow any plant ingestion.
Nothing to do — really
Care at a glance
FAQ
Are all plants called jasmine safe for cats?
No — only true jasmine is covered by this S0 verdict, and the name is shared by plants with very different records. True jasmine is the genus Jasminum: the ASPCA lists "Jasminum species" as "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses." Star jasmine and Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum) and Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis) are different genera that the ASPCA also lists as non-toxic. Cape jasmine is a gardenia, graded S2 on our gardenia page. Two namesakes are dangerous: Paraguayan jasmine (Brunfelsia) is graded S3 Toxic — the ASPCA records "Tremors, seizures (for several days)" — and Carolina or yellow jessamine (Gelsemium) is graded S4 Emergency: Pet Poison Helpline says all parts contain neurotoxins that can cause "paralysis … seizures and death." Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum) has no ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline entry. Check the botanical name on the label; if it is not Jasminum, this page does not apply — and if a cat has chewed a Brunfelsia, call your vet right away; for a Gelsemium, go to a vet or emergency animal hospital immediately.
My cat ate a lot of jasmine — is that a problem?
Not on the record, as long as it is true jasmine. The ASPCA lists Jasminum species as non-toxic to cats with no toxic principle, and it lists no clinical signs at all — so the only thing left is the general rule behind every S0 grade: a large meal of any plant can upset a stomach. The question that matters is the name on the label. If the plant is a Jasminum, let it pass. If it is a Brunfelsia sold as Paraguayan jasmine (S3) or a Carolina jessamine (S4), it is a different plant with a dangerous record, and you should call your vet — for Carolina jessamine, go immediately.
Is jasmine safe for dogs too?
True jasmine is. The ASPCA lists Jasminum species as "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses," so the grade is S0 Safe on our jasmine page for dogs. The same warning applies as for cats, and it matters more outdoors where dogs roam: several garden plants called jasmine are not Jasminum. Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium) is S4 Emergency for dogs, and Paraguayan jasmine (Brunfelsia) is S3 Toxic. Check the botanical name before trusting the common one.