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Is Cape Gooseberry toxic to cats?

Physalis peruviana

Toxic to cats

Yes — cape gooseberry 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. The ripe husked fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe green berries contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids typical of nightshades. Physalis is not individually on the ASPCA list, but as a solanine-bearing Solanaceae member the foliage and unripe fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and CNS depression; keep pets away from the plant.

What to do if your cat ate cape gooseberry

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

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

Is cape gooseberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cape gooseberry toxic to cats?

Yes — cape gooseberry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ripe husked fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe green berries contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids typical of nightshades. Physalis is not individually on the ASPCA list, but as a solanine-bearing Solanaceae member the foliage and unripe fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and CNS depression; keep pets away from the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cape gooseberry?

The ripe husked fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe green berries contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids typical of nightshades. Physalis is not individually on the ASPCA list, but as a solanine-bearing Solanaceae member the foliage and unripe fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and CNS depression; keep pets away from the plant. 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 cape gooseberry.

What should I do if my cat ate cape gooseberry?

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 cape gooseberry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cape Gooseberry is toxic to dogs as well. See the full cape gooseberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cape gooseberry?

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 cape gooseberry pet-safety