Pet safety
Is Skimmia Pabellatoxic to cats & dogs?
Skimmia japonica 'Pabella'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Skimmia japonica 'Pabella'
Is skimmia pabella safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags skimmia pabella as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats skimmia pabella?
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. 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 skimmia pabella, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate skimmia pabella
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move skimmia pabella 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 skimmia pabella 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 skimmia pabella
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)
Skimmia Pabella and pets — frequently asked questions
Is skimmia pabella toxic to cats?
Skimmia Pabella (Skimmia japonica 'Pabella') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. 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 skimmia pabella toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Skimmia Pabella (Skimmia japonica 'Pabella') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like skimmia pabella is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats skimmia pabella?
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. 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 skimmia pabella, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate skimmia pabella?
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 skimmia pabella to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to skimmia pabella?
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 skimmia pabella care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete skimmia pabella care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.