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Pet safety

Is Elder toxic to cats?

Sambucus nigra

Toxic to cats

Yes — elder 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. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The leaves, stems, bark, roots, and unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides (including sambunigrin) that release hydrogen cyanide, plus a toxic alkaloid; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness and, in significant doses, cyanide toxicity. Only thoroughly cooked ripe flowers and berries are considered safe for human use. Keep pets from chewing any part.

What to do if your cat ate elder

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

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

Is elder toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is elder toxic to cats?

Yes — elder is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The leaves, stems, bark, roots, and unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides (including sambunigrin) that release hydrogen cyanide, plus a toxic alkaloid; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness and, in significant doses, cyanide toxicity. Only thoroughly cooked ripe flowers and berries are considered safe for human use. Keep pets from chewing any part.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats elder?

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The leaves, stems, bark, roots, and unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides (including sambunigrin) that release hydrogen cyanide, plus a toxic alkaloid; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness and, in significant doses, cyanide toxicity. Only thoroughly cooked ripe flowers and berries are considered safe for human use. Keep pets from chewing any part. 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 elder.

What should I do if my cat ate elder?

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 elder toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to elder?

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 elder pet-safety