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Is Longleaf Ground Cherry toxic to cats?

Physalis longifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists longleaf ground cherry 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. As a Solanaceae member, unripe fruits, leaves, and stems of Physalis longifolia contain solanine-type alkaloids that are mildly toxic to dogs and cats (GI upset, vomiting). Ripe fruits are edible by humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA; treat green plant parts as a caution around pets.

What to do if your cat ate longleaf ground cherry

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

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

Is longleaf ground cherry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is longleaf ground cherry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists longleaf ground cherry 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. As a Solanaceae member, unripe fruits, leaves, and stems of Physalis longifolia contain solanine-type alkaloids that are mildly toxic to dogs and cats (GI upset, vomiting). Ripe fruits are edible by humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA; treat green plant parts as a caution around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats longleaf ground cherry?

As a Solanaceae member, unripe fruits, leaves, and stems of Physalis longifolia contain solanine-type alkaloids that are mildly toxic to dogs and cats (GI upset, vomiting). Ripe fruits are edible by humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA; treat green plant parts as a caution around pets. 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 longleaf ground cherry.

What should I do if my cat ate longleaf 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.

Is longleaf ground cherry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to longleaf ground cherry?

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 longleaf ground cherry pet-safety