Is Ground Cherry toxic to cats?

Yes — ground cherry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The fully ripe, husked fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe green berries contain solanine glycoalkaloids. Physalis is not individually listed by the ASPCA; as a solanine-containing nightshade the foliage and unripe fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and tremors. Keep pets from grazing the plant.

The fully ripe, husked fruit is edible, but the leaves, stems, and unripe green berries contain solanine glycoalkaloids. Physalis is not individually listed by the ASPCA; as a solanine-containing nightshade the foliage and unripe fruit are toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and tremors. Keep pets from grazing the plant. 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 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.

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

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.