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Is Cloud Nine Dogwood toxic to cats?

Cornus florida 'Cloud Nine'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cloud nine dogwood 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. Cornus florida berries and bark contain cornin (verbenalin) and other iridoid glycosides. ASPCA lists Cornus species as non-toxic to dogs and cats; however, the berries cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity and are mildly toxic to humans. Pet owners should exercise caution.

What to do if your cat ate cloud nine dogwood

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

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

Is cloud nine dogwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cloud nine dogwood toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cloud nine dogwood 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. Cornus florida berries and bark contain cornin (verbenalin) and other iridoid glycosides. ASPCA lists Cornus species as non-toxic to dogs and cats; however, the berries cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity and are mildly toxic to humans. Pet owners should exercise caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cloud nine dogwood?

Cornus florida berries and bark contain cornin (verbenalin) and other iridoid glycosides. ASPCA lists Cornus species as non-toxic to dogs and cats; however, the berries cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity and are mildly toxic to humans. Pet owners should exercise caution. 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 cloud nine dogwood.

What should I do if my cat ate cloud nine dogwood?

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 cloud nine dogwood toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cloud Nine Dogwood is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cloud nine dogwood pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cloud nine dogwood?

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 cloud nine dogwood pet-safety