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If your cat ate oriental bittersweet — 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.

Oriental Bittersweet is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Oriental Bittersweet — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take oriental bittersweet 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 oriental bittersweet — FAQ

Is oriental bittersweet poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) as toxic to cats. Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all.

How serious is it if my cat ate oriental bittersweet?

Oriental Bittersweet 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. Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all. 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 oriental bittersweet well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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