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Is Bob Gordon Elderberry toxic to cats?

Sambucus nigra 'Bob Gordon'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bob gordon elderberry 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. Elderberry (Sambucus) is not individually listed on the ASPCA companion-animal Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally classified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The leaves, stems, bark, roots and unripe or raw berries contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; cooking destroys most of the toxin in ripe fruit. Do not assume pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate bob gordon elderberry

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

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

Is bob gordon elderberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bob gordon elderberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bob gordon elderberry 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. Elderberry (Sambucus) is not individually listed on the ASPCA companion-animal Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally classified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The leaves, stems, bark, roots and unripe or raw berries contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; cooking destroys most of the toxin in ripe fruit. Do not assume pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bob gordon elderberry?

Elderberry (Sambucus) is not individually listed on the ASPCA companion-animal Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally classified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The leaves, stems, bark, roots and unripe or raw berries contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; cooking destroys most of the toxin in ripe fruit. Do not assume pet-safe. 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 bob gordon elderberry.

What should I do if my cat ate bob gordon elderberry?

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 bob gordon elderberry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bob Gordon Elderberry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bob gordon elderberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bob gordon elderberry?

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 bob gordon elderberry pet-safety