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Is Callicarpa americana toxic to cats?

Callicarpa americana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists callicarpa americana 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. Callicarpa americana is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a positive non-toxic listing cannot be confirmed despite the berries being edible to wildlife and humans in small amounts. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your cat ate callicarpa americana

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

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

Is callicarpa americana toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is callicarpa americana toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists callicarpa americana 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. Callicarpa americana is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a positive non-toxic listing cannot be confirmed despite the berries being edible to wildlife and humans in small amounts. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats callicarpa americana?

Callicarpa americana is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a positive non-toxic listing cannot be confirmed despite the berries being edible to wildlife and humans in small amounts. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 callicarpa americana.

What should I do if my cat ate callicarpa americana?

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 callicarpa americana toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to callicarpa americana?

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 callicarpa americana pet-safety