Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is American elderberry toxic to cats?

Sambucus canadensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists american 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Sambucus canadensis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — all parts including raw berries, leaves, stems, bark, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and sambunigrin. Raw berries and unripe fruit cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans and animals. Cooking fully destroys the toxic compounds, making ripe cooked berries safe for human consumption. Keep the plant away from pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate american elderberry

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move american elderberry 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 elderberry to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is american elderberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is american elderberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists american 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 canadensis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — all parts including raw berries, leaves, stems, bark, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and sambunigrin. Raw berries and unripe fruit cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans and animals. Cooking fully destroys the toxic compounds, making ripe cooked berries safe for human consumption. Keep the plant away from pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats american elderberry?

Sambucus canadensis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — all parts including raw berries, leaves, stems, bark, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and sambunigrin. Raw berries and unripe fruit cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans and animals. Cooking fully destroys the toxic compounds, making ripe cooked berries safe for human consumption. Keep the plant away from pets and livestock. 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 elderberry.

What should I do if my cat ate american 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.

Is american elderberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to american elderberry?

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 elderberry pet-safety