Growli
Let's go

If your cat ate skimmia pabella — 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.

Skimmia Pabella is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Skimmia Pabella — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take skimmia pabella 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 skimmia pabella — FAQ

Is skimmia pabella poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Skimmia Pabella (Skimmia japonica 'Pabella') as mildly toxic to cats. Skimmia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains alkaloids and glycosides, and the red berries are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests berries or foliage.

How serious is it if my cat ate skimmia pabella?

Skimmia Pabella 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. Skimmia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains alkaloids and glycosides, and the red berries are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests berries or foliage. 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 skimmia pabella well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related