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If your cat ate blue potato bush — 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.

Blue Potato Bush is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Blue Potato Bush — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take blue potato bush 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 blue potato bush — FAQ

Is blue potato bush poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Blue Potato Bush (Lycianthes rantonnetii) as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists the closely related genus Solanum (which formerly included this species) as toxic to dogs and cats; solanine and solasonine alkaloids are present throughout the plant, especially in leaves and berries. The small red berries are particularly attractive and dangerous. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dilated pupils, and potential cardiac effects. Keep well away from pets and children. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion occurs.

How serious is it if my cat ate blue potato bush?

Blue Potato Bush 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. ASPCA lists the closely related genus Solanum (which formerly included this species) as toxic to dogs and cats; solanine and solasonine alkaloids are present throughout the plant, especially in leaves and berries. The small red berries are particularly attractive and dangerous. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dilated pupils, and potential cardiac effects. Keep well away from pets and children. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion occurs. 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 blue potato bush well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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