Pet emergency
My cat ate Tellmann's honeysuckle — what to do
Step by step
- Take tellmann's honeysuckle 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 tellmann's honeysuckle — FAQ
Is tellmann's honeysuckle poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Tellmann's honeysuckle (Lonicera x tellmanniana) as mildly toxic to cats. As a Lonicera hybrid, the berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans if consumed. Lonicera x tellmanniana is not individually assessed by the ASPCA, but the Lonicera genus berries are considered a mild GI irritant. Not classified as severely toxic, but keep berries away from children and pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate tellmann's honeysuckle?
Tellmann's honeysuckle 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 hybrid, the berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans if consumed. Lonicera x tellmanniana is not individually assessed by the ASPCA, but the Lonicera genus berries are considered a mild GI irritant. Not classified as severely toxic, but keep berries away from children and pets. 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 tellmann's honeysuckle well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is tellmann's honeysuckle toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Tellmann's honeysuckle and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide