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Pet safety

Is Buffaloberry toxic to cats?

Shepherdia argentea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists buffaloberry 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. Shepherdia argentea is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is uncertain; note it is a different genus from the non-toxic ASPCA-listed Elaeagnus 'silver berry.' The ripe berries are traditionally eaten by people (though saponin-rich and soapy when raw), but treat as uncertain for pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. Keep cats, dogs, and horses from browsing it.

What to do if your cat ate buffaloberry

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

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

Is buffaloberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is buffaloberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists buffaloberry 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. Shepherdia argentea is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is uncertain; note it is a different genus from the non-toxic ASPCA-listed Elaeagnus 'silver berry.' The ripe berries are traditionally eaten by people (though saponin-rich and soapy when raw), but treat as uncertain for pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. Keep cats, dogs, and horses from browsing it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats buffaloberry?

Shepherdia argentea is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is uncertain; note it is a different genus from the non-toxic ASPCA-listed Elaeagnus 'silver berry.' The ripe berries are traditionally eaten by people (though saponin-rich and soapy when raw), but treat as uncertain for pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. Keep cats, dogs, and horses from browsing it. 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 buffaloberry.

What should I do if my cat ate buffaloberry?

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 buffaloberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to buffaloberry?

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 buffaloberry pet-safety