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Pet safety

Is Bladder Cherry toxic to cats?

Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii

Toxic to cats

Yes — bladder cherry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. As a variety of Physalis alkekengi, which is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii carries the same risk. Green parts and unripe berries contain physalin and related steroidal lactones that cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially more serious effects in pets. Keep away from dogs and cats.

What to do if your cat ate bladder cherry

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

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

Is bladder cherry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bladder cherry toxic to cats?

Yes — bladder cherry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a variety of Physalis alkekengi, which is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii carries the same risk. Green parts and unripe berries contain physalin and related steroidal lactones that cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially more serious effects in pets. Keep away from dogs and cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bladder cherry?

As a variety of Physalis alkekengi, which is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii carries the same risk. Green parts and unripe berries contain physalin and related steroidal lactones that cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially more serious effects in pets. Keep away from dogs and cats. 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 bladder cherry.

What should I do if my cat ate bladder cherry?

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 bladder cherry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bladder Cherry is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bladder cherry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bladder cherry?

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 bladder cherry pet-safety