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Is Red Chokeberry toxic to cats?

Aronia arbutifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red chokeberry 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. Aronia (chokeberry) is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like related chokeberries, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, so large amounts of raw crushed fruit or chewed plant material could cause gastrointestinal upset. It is botanically distinct from the ASPCA-listed toxic 'Choke Cherry' (Prunus virginiana).

What to do if your cat ate red chokeberry

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

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

Is red chokeberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red chokeberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red chokeberry 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. Aronia (chokeberry) is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like related chokeberries, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, so large amounts of raw crushed fruit or chewed plant material could cause gastrointestinal upset. It is botanically distinct from the ASPCA-listed toxic 'Choke Cherry' (Prunus virginiana).

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red chokeberry?

Aronia (chokeberry) is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is not formally confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like related chokeberries, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, so large amounts of raw crushed fruit or chewed plant material could cause gastrointestinal upset. It is botanically distinct from the ASPCA-listed toxic 'Choke Cherry' (Prunus virginiana). 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 red chokeberry.

What should I do if my cat ate red chokeberry?

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 red chokeberry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red Chokeberry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full red chokeberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to red chokeberry?

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 red chokeberry pet-safety