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Is Chinese Lantern Plant toxic to cats?

Physalis alkekengi

Toxic to cats

Yes — chinese lantern plant 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. Physalis alkekengi is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The unripe berries and all green plant parts contain solanine-like alkaloids (physalin) that can cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and in larger doses more serious effects. Ripe berries are considered edible for humans in small amounts but are still a hazard for pets. Keep away from animals.

What to do if your cat ate chinese lantern plant

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

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

Is chinese lantern plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chinese lantern plant toxic to cats?

Yes — chinese lantern plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Physalis alkekengi is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The unripe berries and all green plant parts contain solanine-like alkaloids (physalin) that can cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and in larger doses more serious effects. Ripe berries are considered edible for humans in small amounts but are still a hazard for pets. Keep away from animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chinese lantern plant?

Physalis alkekengi is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The unripe berries and all green plant parts contain solanine-like alkaloids (physalin) that can cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and in larger doses more serious effects. Ripe berries are considered edible for humans in small amounts but are still a hazard for pets. Keep away from animals. 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 chinese lantern plant.

What should I do if my cat ate chinese lantern plant?

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 chinese lantern plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese Lantern Plant is toxic to dogs as well. See the full chinese lantern plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chinese lantern plant?

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 chinese lantern plant pet-safety