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If your cat ate bladder cherry — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Bladder Cherry is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Bladder Cherry — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take bladder cherry away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate bladder cherry — FAQ

Is bladder cherry poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Bladder Cherry (Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii) as toxic to cats. As a variety of Physalis alkekengi, which is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii carries the same risk. Green parts and unripe berries contain physalin and related steroidal lactones that cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially more serious effects in pets. Keep away from dogs and cats.

How serious is it if my cat ate bladder cherry?

Bladder Cherry is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. As a variety of Physalis alkekengi, which is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii carries the same risk. Green parts and unripe berries contain physalin and related steroidal lactones that cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially more serious effects in pets. Keep away from dogs and cats. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep bladder cherry well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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