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Is Cutleaf Ground Cherry toxic to cats?

Physalis angulata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cutleaf ground cherry 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. Physalis angulata ripe fruits are consumed by humans in various cultures, but unripe fruits and all green plant parts contain physalin, solanine-type glycoalkaloids, and withanolides that are toxic if ingested in quantity. ASPCA does not individually list Physalis angulata, but the Solanaceae family includes members toxic to dogs and cats. Treat foliage, stems, and husks as hazardous to pets; do not allow animals to graze on the plants.

What to do if your cat ate cutleaf ground cherry

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

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

Is cutleaf ground cherry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cutleaf ground cherry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cutleaf ground cherry 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. Physalis angulata ripe fruits are consumed by humans in various cultures, but unripe fruits and all green plant parts contain physalin, solanine-type glycoalkaloids, and withanolides that are toxic if ingested in quantity. ASPCA does not individually list Physalis angulata, but the Solanaceae family includes members toxic to dogs and cats. Treat foliage, stems, and husks as hazardous to pets; do not allow animals to graze on the plants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cutleaf ground cherry?

Physalis angulata ripe fruits are consumed by humans in various cultures, but unripe fruits and all green plant parts contain physalin, solanine-type glycoalkaloids, and withanolides that are toxic if ingested in quantity. ASPCA does not individually list Physalis angulata, but the Solanaceae family includes members toxic to dogs and cats. Treat foliage, stems, and husks as hazardous to pets; do not allow animals to graze on the plants. 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 cutleaf ground cherry.

What should I do if my cat ate cutleaf ground cherry?

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 cutleaf ground cherry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cutleaf Ground Cherry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cutleaf ground cherry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cutleaf ground cherry?

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 cutleaf ground cherry pet-safety