Pet safety
Is Japanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer'toxic to cats & dogs?
Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'
Is japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Japanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer' is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Spiraea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is widely regarded as non-toxic (a Rosaceae shrub), but ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs and cats.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats japanese spirea 'anthony waterer'?
Spiraea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is widely regarded as non-toxic (a Rosaceae shrub), but ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to japanese spirea 'anthony waterer', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate japanese spirea 'anthony waterer'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to japanese spirea 'anthony waterer'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Japanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' toxic to cats?
Japanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer' (Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Spiraea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is widely regarded as non-toxic (a Rosaceae shrub), but ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Japanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer' (Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats japanese spirea 'anthony waterer'?
Spiraea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is widely regarded as non-toxic (a Rosaceae shrub), but ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to japanese spirea 'anthony waterer', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate japanese spirea 'anthony waterer'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to japanese spirea 'anthony waterer'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete japanese spirea 'anthony waterer' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.