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Is Physocarpus opulifolius 'Summer Wine' toxic to cats?

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' (Summer Wine)

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine' 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. 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.

What to do if your cat ate physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine'

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

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

Is physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine' 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine'?

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 'summer wine'.

What should I do if my cat ate physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine'?

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 physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Physocarpus opulifolius 'Summer Wine' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine'?

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 physocarpus opulifolius 'summer wine' pet-safety