Is Nyssa sylvatica toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nyssa sylvatica 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its toxicity status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The small blue-black drupes and foliage are not well documented for pet safety and some sources flag the sap and unripe fruit as potential irritants, so do not assume pet-safe and seek veterinary advice if ingested.

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its toxicity status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The small blue-black drupes and foliage are not well documented for pet safety and some sources flag the sap and unripe fruit as potential irritants, so do not assume pet-safe and seek veterinary advice if ingested. 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 nyssa sylvatica.

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: Nyssa sylvatica is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full nyssa sylvatica 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.