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If your cat ate red elderberry — 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.

Red Elderberry is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Red Elderberry — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take red elderberry 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 red elderberry — FAQ

Is red elderberry poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) as mildly toxic to cats. Sambucus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Sambucus racemosa berries are more toxic than those of S. nigra when raw, and the leaves, bark, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and sambunigrin. Raw red elderberries can cause significant nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea in both humans and pets. Berries must be cooked before any human consumption; keep all raw plant material away from pets and children. Even ripe, red elderberries require processing — do not consume raw.

How serious is it if my cat ate red elderberry?

Red Elderberry 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. Sambucus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Sambucus racemosa berries are more toxic than those of S. nigra when raw, and the leaves, bark, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and sambunigrin. Raw red elderberries can cause significant nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea in both humans and pets. Berries must be cooked before any human consumption; keep all raw plant material away from pets and children. Even ripe, red elderberries require processing — do not consume raw. 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 red elderberry well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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