Pet emergency
My cat ate Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' — what to do
Step by step
- Take lonicera periclymenum 'serotina' 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 lonicera periclymenum 'serotina' — FAQ
Is lonicera periclymenum 'serotina' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' (Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina') as mildly toxic to cats. As a Lonicera periclymenum cultivar, it shares the genus's status: not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, with berries and foliage containing saponins and cyanogenic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets away from the colourful berries, and verify with a vet if any is eaten.
How serious is it if my cat ate lonicera periclymenum 'serotina'?
Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' 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. As a Lonicera periclymenum cultivar, it shares the genus's status: not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, with berries and foliage containing saponins and cyanogenic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets away from the colourful berries, and verify with a vet if any is eaten. 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 lonicera periclymenum 'serotina' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lonicera periclymenum 'serotina' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide