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Is Purple Japanese Barberry toxic to cats?

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple japanese 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 thunbergii is not listed individually by the ASPCA. Berberine, an alkaloid present throughout the plant, can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in dogs and cats if berries or leaves are ingested; the sharp thorns also present a physical hazard. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets away from berries.

What to do if your cat ate purple japanese barberry

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

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

Is purple japanese barberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is purple japanese barberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple japanese 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 thunbergii is not listed individually by the ASPCA. Berberine, an alkaloid present throughout the plant, can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in dogs and cats if berries or leaves are ingested; the sharp thorns also present a physical hazard. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets away from berries.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats purple japanese barberry?

Berberis thunbergii is not listed individually by the ASPCA. Berberine, an alkaloid present throughout the plant, can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in dogs and cats if berries or leaves are ingested; the sharp thorns also present a physical hazard. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets away from berries. 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 purple japanese barberry.

What should I do if my cat ate purple japanese 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 purple japanese barberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to purple japanese 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 purple japanese barberry pet-safety