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Is Aucuba japonica Picturata toxic to cats?

Aucuba japonica 'Picturata'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists aucuba japonica picturata 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. Aucuba japonica is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted. Foliage and berries contain the iridoid glycoside aucubin, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea) if eaten. Treat as mildly toxic, keep the red berries from pets and children, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate aucuba japonica picturata

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

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

Is aucuba japonica picturata toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is aucuba japonica picturata toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists aucuba japonica picturata 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. Aucuba japonica is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted. Foliage and berries contain the iridoid glycoside aucubin, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea) if eaten. Treat as mildly toxic, keep the red berries from pets and children, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats aucuba japonica picturata?

Aucuba japonica is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe label cannot be asserted. Foliage and berries contain the iridoid glycoside aucubin, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea) if eaten. Treat as mildly toxic, keep the red berries from pets and children, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 aucuba japonica picturata.

What should I do if my cat ate aucuba japonica picturata?

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 aucuba japonica picturata toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Aucuba japonica Picturata is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full aucuba japonica picturata pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to aucuba japonica picturata?

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 aucuba japonica picturata pet-safety