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Is Wintergreen Barberry toxic to cats?

Berberis julianae

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wintergreen barberry 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. Berberis julianae is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains berberine, an alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats upon ingestion of berries or leaves; the exceptionally sharp three-pronged thorns also risk physical injury to pets.

What to do if your cat ate wintergreen barberry

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

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

Is wintergreen barberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wintergreen barberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wintergreen barberry 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. Berberis julianae is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains berberine, an alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats upon ingestion of berries or leaves; the exceptionally sharp three-pronged thorns also risk physical injury to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wintergreen barberry?

Berberis julianae is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains berberine, an alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats upon ingestion of berries or leaves; the exceptionally sharp three-pronged thorns also risk physical injury to pets. 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 wintergreen barberry.

What should I do if my cat ate wintergreen barberry?

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 wintergreen barberry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wintergreen Barberry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full wintergreen barberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wintergreen barberry?

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 wintergreen barberry pet-safety