Is Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' 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. Physocarpus opulifolius is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, nor classed as toxic by the USDA, but the bark is reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten by dogs or cats. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity.

Physocarpus opulifolius is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, nor classed as toxic by the USDA, but the bark is reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten by dogs or cats. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity. 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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil'.

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: Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' 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.