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Pet safety

Is Maleberry toxic to cats?

Lyonia ligustrina

Toxic to cats

Yes — maleberry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Lyonia ligustrina — leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, and sap — are highly toxic. Contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins and arbutin), which disrupt sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and livestock; toxic to humans if ingested. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, ataxia, cardiac arrhythmias, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Ericaceae family — ASPCA lists related Lyonia species as toxic to dogs and cats.

What to do if your cat ate maleberry

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

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

Is maleberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is maleberry toxic to cats?

Yes — maleberry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Lyonia ligustrina — leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, and sap — are highly toxic. Contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins and arbutin), which disrupt sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and livestock; toxic to humans if ingested. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, ataxia, cardiac arrhythmias, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Ericaceae family — ASPCA lists related Lyonia species as toxic to dogs and cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats maleberry?

All parts of Lyonia ligustrina — leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, and sap — are highly toxic. Contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins and arbutin), which disrupt sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and livestock; toxic to humans if ingested. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, ataxia, cardiac arrhythmias, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Ericaceae family — ASPCA lists related Lyonia species as toxic to dogs and cats. 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 maleberry.

What should I do if my cat ate maleberry?

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 maleberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to maleberry?

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 maleberry pet-safety