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Is Ninebark 'Diabolo' toxic to cats?

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ninebark 'diabolo' 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. Physocarpus is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. The bark is anecdotally reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs if chewed; do not assume it is pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate ninebark 'diabolo'

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

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

Is ninebark 'diabolo' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ninebark 'diabolo' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ninebark 'diabolo' 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. Physocarpus is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. The bark is anecdotally reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs if chewed; do not assume it is pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ninebark 'diabolo'?

Physocarpus is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. The bark is anecdotally reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs if chewed; do not assume it is pet-safe. 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 ninebark 'diabolo'.

What should I do if my cat ate ninebark 'diabolo'?

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 ninebark 'diabolo' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ninebark 'Diabolo' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full ninebark 'diabolo' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to ninebark 'diabolo'?

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 ninebark 'diabolo' pet-safety