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Is Blue Potato Bush toxic to cats?

Lycianthes rantonnetii

Toxic to cats

Yes — blue potato bush 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. ASPCA lists the closely related genus Solanum (which formerly included this species) as toxic to dogs and cats; solanine and solasonine alkaloids are present throughout the plant, especially in leaves and berries. The small red berries are particularly attractive and dangerous. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dilated pupils, and potential cardiac effects. Keep well away from pets and children. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate blue potato bush

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

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

Is blue potato bush toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is blue potato bush toxic to cats?

Yes — blue potato bush is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists the closely related genus Solanum (which formerly included this species) as toxic to dogs and cats; solanine and solasonine alkaloids are present throughout the plant, especially in leaves and berries. The small red berries are particularly attractive and dangerous. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dilated pupils, and potential cardiac effects. Keep well away from pets and children. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats blue potato bush?

ASPCA lists the closely related genus Solanum (which formerly included this species) as toxic to dogs and cats; solanine and solasonine alkaloids are present throughout the plant, especially in leaves and berries. The small red berries are particularly attractive and dangerous. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dilated pupils, and potential cardiac effects. Keep well away from pets and children. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if ingestion occurs. 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 blue potato bush.

What should I do if my cat ate blue potato bush?

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 blue potato bush toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Blue Potato Bush is toxic to dogs as well. See the full blue potato bush pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to blue potato bush?

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 blue potato bush pet-safety