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Is American Bittersweet toxic to cats?

Celastrus scandens

Toxic to cats

Yes — american bittersweet is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Celastrus scandens berries and foliage contain alkaloids and sesquiterpenes that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The ASPCA lists bittersweet (Celastrus species) as toxic; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and low blood pressure. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate american bittersweet

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move american bittersweet out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of american bittersweet to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten american bittersweet, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is american bittersweet toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is american bittersweet toxic to cats?

Yes — american bittersweet is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Celastrus scandens berries and foliage contain alkaloids and sesquiterpenes that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The ASPCA lists bittersweet (Celastrus species) as toxic; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and low blood pressure. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats american bittersweet?

Celastrus scandens berries and foliage contain alkaloids and sesquiterpenes that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The ASPCA lists bittersweet (Celastrus species) as toxic; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and low blood pressure. Keep away from pets and children. 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 american bittersweet.

What should I do if my cat ate american bittersweet?

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.

Is american bittersweet toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: American Bittersweet is toxic to dogs as well. See the full american bittersweet pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to american bittersweet?

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.

Full american bittersweet pet-safety