Pet safety
Is Tree heathtoxic to cats & dogs?
Erica arborea
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- No — non-toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- No — non-toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Pet-safe · botanical name Erica arborea
Is tree heath safe for cats and dogs?
Yes — tree heath is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It is one of the safer picks for a home where pets share the floor space. 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. Erica arborea is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. No toxic compounds have been identified in this species. The genus Erica is generally regarded as non-toxic, though ingestion of foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive animals.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | No | Pet-safe |
| Dogs | No | Pet-safe |
What happens if a pet eats tree heath?
Because tree heath is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What to do if your pet ate tree heath
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move tree heath 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 tree heath 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.
Tree heath and pets — frequently asked questions
Is tree heath toxic to cats?
Tree heath (Erica arborea) is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Erica arborea is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. No toxic compounds have been identified in this species. The genus Erica is generally regarded as non-toxic, though ingestion of foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive animals. It is a sensible pick for a cat household, though no plant should be a regular snack.
Is tree heath toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Tree heath (Erica arborea) is non-toxic to dogs. Dogs that gulp large amounts of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing even on a non-toxic plant.
What happens if my pet eats tree heath?
Because tree heath is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate tree heath?
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 tree heath to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
Which other plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Reliable non-toxic houseplants on the ASPCA list include spider plant, areca palm, calathea, peperomia, and most true ferns. You can browse Growli's full pet-safety library to check any plant before you buy it, and every entry cites the ASPCA classification it is based on.
Full tree heath care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete tree heath care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.