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Is Bearberry Cotoneaster toxic to cats?

Cotoneaster dammeri

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bearberry cotoneaster 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. Cotoneaster berries and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release small amounts of hydrogen cyanide when digested. The concentrations are low, and serious toxicity requires ingestion of large quantities. Nonetheless, berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in dogs and cats. Not listed individually by the ASPCA; treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and young children.

What to do if your cat ate bearberry cotoneaster

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

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

Is bearberry cotoneaster toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bearberry cotoneaster toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bearberry cotoneaster 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. Cotoneaster berries and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release small amounts of hydrogen cyanide when digested. The concentrations are low, and serious toxicity requires ingestion of large quantities. Nonetheless, berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in dogs and cats. Not listed individually by the ASPCA; treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and young children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bearberry cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster berries and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release small amounts of hydrogen cyanide when digested. The concentrations are low, and serious toxicity requires ingestion of large quantities. Nonetheless, berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in dogs and cats. Not listed individually by the ASPCA; treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and young 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 bearberry cotoneaster.

What should I do if my cat ate bearberry cotoneaster?

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 bearberry cotoneaster toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bearberry Cotoneaster is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bearberry cotoneaster pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bearberry cotoneaster?

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 bearberry cotoneaster pet-safety