Pet safety
Is Vitis coignetiaetoxic to cats & dogs?
Vitis coignetiae
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Vitis coignetiae
Is vitis coignetiae safe for cats and dogs?
No — vitis coignetiae is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. Vitis coignetiae bears small grapes, and grapes/raisins of the Vitis genus cause acute kidney injury in dogs per ASPCA and veterinary sources, so it is treated as toxic. Although grown ornamentally, fallen fruit is within reach of pets; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure. Keep dogs from eating the grapes and seek veterinary care promptly if any are consumed.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats vitis coignetiae?
Vitis coignetiae bears small grapes, and grapes/raisins of the Vitis genus cause acute kidney injury in dogs per ASPCA and veterinary sources, so it is treated as toxic. Although grown ornamentally, fallen fruit is within reach of pets; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure. Keep dogs from eating the grapes and seek veterinary care promptly if any are consumed. 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 vitis coignetiae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate vitis coignetiae
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move vitis coignetiae 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 vitis coignetiae 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 vitis coignetiae
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)
Vitis coignetiae and pets — frequently asked questions
Is vitis coignetiae toxic to cats?
Vitis coignetiae (Vitis coignetiae) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Vitis coignetiae bears small grapes, and grapes/raisins of the Vitis genus cause acute kidney injury in dogs per ASPCA and veterinary sources, so it is treated as toxic. Although grown ornamentally, fallen fruit is within reach of pets; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure. Keep dogs from eating the grapes and seek veterinary care promptly if any are consumed. 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 vitis coignetiae toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Vitis coignetiae (Vitis coignetiae) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like vitis coignetiae is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats vitis coignetiae?
Vitis coignetiae bears small grapes, and grapes/raisins of the Vitis genus cause acute kidney injury in dogs per ASPCA and veterinary sources, so it is treated as toxic. Although grown ornamentally, fallen fruit is within reach of pets; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure. Keep dogs from eating the grapes and seek veterinary care promptly if any are consumed. 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 vitis coignetiae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate vitis coignetiae?
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 vitis coignetiae to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to vitis coignetiae?
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 vitis coignetiae care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete vitis coignetiae care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.