Growli
Get the app

If your cat ate honeyberry blue velvet — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Honeyberry Blue Velvet is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Honeyberry Blue Velvet — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take honeyberry blue velvet 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate honeyberry blue velvet — FAQ

Is honeyberry blue velvet poisonous to cats?

Yes — Honeyberry Blue Velvet (Lonicera caerulea 'Blue Velvet') is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. The blue honeyberries are edible for people, but Lonicera caerulea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and the genus Lonicera includes species whose berries cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Because honeyberry's specific pet status is unconfirmed, treat it with caution as potentially mildly toxic to dogs and cats and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe.

How serious is it if my cat ate honeyberry blue velvet?

Honeyberry Blue Velvet 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 honeyberries are edible for people, but Lonicera caerulea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and the genus Lonicera includes species whose berries cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Because honeyberry's specific pet status is unconfirmed, treat it with caution as potentially mildly toxic to dogs and cats and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

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

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

Related