Is Lonicera caprifolium toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lonicera caprifolium 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. Lonicera caprifolium is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists — the genus contains both ASPCA-listed-toxic and unlisted species, so treat it as uncertain and verify with a vet. The red berries and foliage contain saponins that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) if eaten. Keep pets and small children away from the fruit.

Lonicera caprifolium is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists — the genus contains both ASPCA-listed-toxic and unlisted species, so treat it as uncertain and verify with a vet. The red berries and foliage contain saponins that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) if eaten. Keep pets and small children away from the 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 lonicera caprifolium.

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: Lonicera caprifolium is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lonicera caprifolium 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.