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Pet safety

Is Cowberry toxic to cats?

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cowberry 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. Vaccinium vitis-idaea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic database. The ripe berries are widely consumed by humans and are generally regarded as safe. However, the leaves and unripe berries contain arbutin (which metabolises to hydroquinone) and saponins, which carry nephrotoxic and gastrointestinal risks. On a precautionary basis the plant is classified as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; do not allow pets to graze foliage or unripe fruit, and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate cowberry

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

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

Is cowberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cowberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cowberry 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. Vaccinium vitis-idaea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic database. The ripe berries are widely consumed by humans and are generally regarded as safe. However, the leaves and unripe berries contain arbutin (which metabolises to hydroquinone) and saponins, which carry nephrotoxic and gastrointestinal risks. On a precautionary basis the plant is classified as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; do not allow pets to graze foliage or unripe fruit, and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cowberry?

Vaccinium vitis-idaea is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic database. The ripe berries are widely consumed by humans and are generally regarded as safe. However, the leaves and unripe berries contain arbutin (which metabolises to hydroquinone) and saponins, which carry nephrotoxic and gastrointestinal risks. On a precautionary basis the plant is classified as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; do not allow pets to graze foliage or unripe fruit, and consult a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 cowberry.

What should I do if my cat ate cowberry?

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 cowberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cowberry?

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 cowberry pet-safety