Pet emergency
My cat ate Borealis Honeyberry — what to do
Step by step
- Take borealis honeyberry away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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 borealis honeyberry — FAQ
Is borealis honeyberry poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Borealis Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea 'Borealis') as mildly toxic to cats. The blue berries are widely eaten by people, but Lonicera caerulea is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, and the Lonicera genus is mixed (some honeysuckle species cause GI upset in pets). Treat as uncertain around cats and dogs and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe.
How serious is it if my cat ate borealis honeyberry?
Borealis Honeyberry is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The blue berries are widely eaten by people, but Lonicera caerulea is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, and the Lonicera genus is mixed (some honeysuckle species cause GI upset in pets). Treat as uncertain around cats and dogs and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe. 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 borealis honeyberry well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is borealis honeyberry toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Borealis Honeyberry and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide