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Pet safety

Is Dwarf Snowberry toxic to cats?

Gaultheria depressa

Toxic to cats

Yes — dwarf snowberry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Gaultheria species contain gaultherinin, a glycoside that hydrolyses to release methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). Methyl salicylate is toxic to both cats and dogs; cats metabolise salicylates very slowly and are especially vulnerable. Symptoms include vomiting, gastric haemorrhage, anorexia, liver damage, anaemia, and respiratory distress. Keep pets away from the plant and its berries.

What to do if your cat ate dwarf snowberry

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

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

Is dwarf snowberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dwarf snowberry toxic to cats?

Yes — dwarf snowberry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Gaultheria species contain gaultherinin, a glycoside that hydrolyses to release methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). Methyl salicylate is toxic to both cats and dogs; cats metabolise salicylates very slowly and are especially vulnerable. Symptoms include vomiting, gastric haemorrhage, anorexia, liver damage, anaemia, and respiratory distress. Keep pets away from the plant and its berries.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dwarf snowberry?

Gaultheria species contain gaultherinin, a glycoside that hydrolyses to release methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). Methyl salicylate is toxic to both cats and dogs; cats metabolise salicylates very slowly and are especially vulnerable. Symptoms include vomiting, gastric haemorrhage, anorexia, liver damage, anaemia, and respiratory distress. Keep pets away from the plant and its 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 dwarf snowberry.

What should I do if my cat ate dwarf snowberry?

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 dwarf snowberry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dwarf Snowberry is toxic to dogs as well. See the full dwarf snowberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dwarf snowberry?

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 dwarf snowberry pet-safety