Is Adams Elderberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists adams elderberry as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Sambucus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Raw unripe berries, bark, leaves, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and sambunigrin, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Ripe berries are traditionally cooked for human use (syrup, jam, wine), but all raw parts should be kept away from pets and children should be supervised around the plant.

Sambucus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Raw unripe berries, bark, leaves, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and sambunigrin, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Ripe berries are traditionally cooked for human use (syrup, jam, wine), but all raw parts should be kept away from pets and children should be supervised around the plant. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to adams elderberry.

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Adams Elderberry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full adams elderberry pet-safety guide for both species.

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.