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Is Oriental Bittersweet toxic to cats?

Celastrus orbiculatus

Toxic to cats

Yes — oriental bittersweet 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. Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all.

What to do if your cat ate oriental bittersweet

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

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

Is oriental bittersweet toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is oriental bittersweet toxic to cats?

Yes — oriental bittersweet is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats oriental bittersweet?

Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all. 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 oriental bittersweet.

What should I do if my cat ate oriental bittersweet?

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 oriental bittersweet toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to oriental bittersweet?

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 oriental bittersweet pet-safety