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Pet safety

Is Prickly heath toxic to cats?

Gaultheria mucronata

Toxic to cats

Yes — prickly heath 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. The berries and other plant parts contain toxic compounds that cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Gaultheria mucronata is not individually listed on the ASPCA database under that name but is widely documented in veterinary and horticultural sources as toxic. Wear gloves when handling; keep children and pets away from berries. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate prickly heath

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

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

Is prickly heath toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is prickly heath toxic to cats?

Yes — prickly heath is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The berries and other plant parts contain toxic compounds that cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Gaultheria mucronata is not individually listed on the ASPCA database under that name but is widely documented in veterinary and horticultural sources as toxic. Wear gloves when handling; keep children and pets away from berries. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats prickly heath?

The berries and other plant parts contain toxic compounds that cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Gaultheria mucronata is not individually listed on the ASPCA database under that name but is widely documented in veterinary and horticultural sources as toxic. Wear gloves when handling; keep children and pets away from berries. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 prickly heath.

What should I do if my cat ate prickly heath?

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 prickly heath toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to prickly heath?

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 prickly heath pet-safety