Is Lonicera periclymenum toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lonicera periclymenum 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 is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, and common honeysuckle is among the species noted to have low toxicity, with bright berries and foliage containing saponins and cyanogenic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets away from the berries, and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

Lonicera is not listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, and common honeysuckle is among the species noted to have low toxicity, with bright berries and foliage containing saponins and cyanogenic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets away from the berries, and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 periclymenum.

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 periclymenum is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lonicera periclymenum 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.