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Is Lonicera sempervirens toxic to cats?

Lonicera sempervirens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lonicera sempervirens 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. Some sources note coral honeysuckle is not on the ASPCA toxic list, but the ASPCA does not affirmatively list it as non-toxic either, and the Lonicera genus can contain saponins; berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Without a positive ASPCA non-toxic listing it is treated as mildly toxic; keep pets from the berries and verify with a vet if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate lonicera sempervirens

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

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

Is lonicera sempervirens toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lonicera sempervirens toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lonicera sempervirens 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. Some sources note coral honeysuckle is not on the ASPCA toxic list, but the ASPCA does not affirmatively list it as non-toxic either, and the Lonicera genus can contain saponins; berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Without a positive ASPCA non-toxic listing it is treated as mildly toxic; keep pets from the berries and verify with a vet if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lonicera sempervirens?

Some sources note coral honeysuckle is not on the ASPCA toxic list, but the ASPCA does not affirmatively list it as non-toxic either, and the Lonicera genus can contain saponins; berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Without a positive ASPCA non-toxic listing it is treated as mildly toxic; keep pets from the berries and verify with a vet if eaten. 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 sempervirens.

What should I do if my cat ate lonicera sempervirens?

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 lonicera sempervirens toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lonicera sempervirens?

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 lonicera sempervirens pet-safety