Pet emergency
My cat ate Vitis vinifera — what to do
Step by step
- Take vitis vinifera 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 vitis vinifera — FAQ
Is vitis vinifera poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Vitis vinifera (Vitis vinifera) as toxic to cats. While the ASPCA notes grapevine foliage is not the primary concern, the fruit is dangerous: grapes and raisins (Vitis spp.) cause acute kidney injury in dogs and are treated as toxic, with tartaric acid implicated and effects possible even from small amounts. Because a fruiting grapevine drops grapes within pet reach, treat the plant as toxic; signs include vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure — seek veterinary help urgently.
How serious is it if my cat ate vitis vinifera?
Vitis vinifera 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. While the ASPCA notes grapevine foliage is not the primary concern, the fruit is dangerous: grapes and raisins (Vitis spp.) cause acute kidney injury in dogs and are treated as toxic, with tartaric acid implicated and effects possible even from small amounts. Because a fruiting grapevine drops grapes within pet reach, treat the plant as toxic; signs include vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure — seek veterinary help urgently. 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 vitis vinifera well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is vitis vinifera toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Vitis vinifera and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide