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Is Callicarpa japonica toxic to cats?

Callicarpa japonica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists callicarpa japonica 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 is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a positive non-toxic listing cannot be confirmed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.

What to do if your cat ate callicarpa japonica

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

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

Is callicarpa japonica toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is callicarpa japonica toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists callicarpa japonica 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 is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a positive non-toxic listing cannot be confirmed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats callicarpa japonica?

Callicarpa is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a positive non-toxic listing cannot be confirmed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. 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 japonica.

What should I do if my cat ate callicarpa japonica?

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 japonica toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to callicarpa japonica?

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 japonica pet-safety