Is Jasmine Poisonous to Cats?

True jasmine, or Jasminum spp., is not poisonous to cats, but there are several plants called "jasmine" that may be toxic to cats and other animals, notes writer Jill Kokemuller. It is important to know the common name and the scientific name to find out if the plant is poisonous.

Confederate or star jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides, is a fairly common species of jasmine in North America. However, Carolina jessamine, or Gelsemium spp., is often called jasmine and the plant can be fairly toxic to animals. This plant may cause weakness, respiratory problems, seizures or death in cats, according to Kokemuller.