Is Japanese Cornel Dogwood toxic to cats?

No — japanese cornel dogwood is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Cornus officinalis is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and no Cornus species is listed as toxic. The genus has no documented toxic principles to dogs, cats, or horses. The fleshy red fruit (a drupe) is edible to humans and consumed by wildlife; it is used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause mild GI upset in pets, but specific toxicity is not established.

Yes — the ASPCA lists japanese cornel dogwood as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

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

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.