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Pet safety

Is Lingonberry toxic to cats?

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lingonberry 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Vaccinium vitis-idaea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; the genus carries no recognised systemic toxin and the berries are a human food, but ingestion of plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate lingonberry

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

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

Is lingonberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lingonberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lingonberry 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. Vaccinium vitis-idaea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; the genus carries no recognised systemic toxin and the berries are a human food, but ingestion of plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lingonberry?

Vaccinium vitis-idaea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; the genus carries no recognised systemic toxin and the berries are a human food, but ingestion of plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe. 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 lingonberry.

What should I do if my cat ate lingonberry?

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 lingonberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lingonberry?

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 lingonberry pet-safety