Is Indian Gooseberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists indian gooseberry 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. Phyllanthus emblica is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit is a widely consumed human food, but unripe fruit and bark are very astringent and tannin-rich and may cause stomach upset, so prevent pets from chewing foliage or unripe fruit.

Phyllanthus emblica is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit is a widely consumed human food, but unripe fruit and bark are very astringent and tannin-rich and may cause stomach upset, so prevent pets from chewing foliage or unripe fruit. 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 indian gooseberry.

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: Indian Gooseberry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full indian gooseberry 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.