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Pet safety

Is Dogwood toxic to cats?

Cornus sanguinea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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 sanguinea is not listed by ASPCA as highly toxic, but the berries and plant sap contain glycosides and saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if consumed. Classified as mildly toxic — contact your vet if a pet ingests significant quantities of berries.

What to do if your cat ate dogwood

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

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

Is dogwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dogwood toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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 sanguinea is not listed by ASPCA as highly toxic, but the berries and plant sap contain glycosides and saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if consumed. Classified as mildly toxic — contact your vet if a pet ingests significant quantities of berries.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dogwood?

Cornus sanguinea is not listed by ASPCA as highly toxic, but the berries and plant sap contain glycosides and saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if consumed. Classified as mildly toxic — contact your vet if a pet ingests significant quantities of berries. 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 dogwood.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 dogwood toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 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 dogwood pet-safety