Is Common manzanita toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common manzanita 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. Arctostaphylos manzanita is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus is generally considered of low toxicity; the berries have been used as food by Indigenous peoples and wildlife. However, as it is not formally ASPCA-cleared, mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if large quantities are ingested by pets.

Arctostaphylos manzanita is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus is generally considered of low toxicity; the berries have been used as food by Indigenous peoples and wildlife. However, as it is not formally ASPCA-cleared, mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if large quantities are ingested by 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 common manzanita.

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.

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

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.