Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Round-leaved Wintergreen toxic to cats?

Pyrola rotundifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists round-leaved wintergreen 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains arbutin, which hydrolises in the body to hydroquinone — a compound that can be toxic in large doses. The foliage has a long history of traditional medicinal use, but contact with or ingestion of large quantities should be avoided. Keep away from pets and children as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate round-leaved wintergreen

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move round-leaved wintergreen 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 round-leaved wintergreen to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is round-leaved wintergreen toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is round-leaved wintergreen toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists round-leaved wintergreen 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains arbutin, which hydrolises in the body to hydroquinone — a compound that can be toxic in large doses. The foliage has a long history of traditional medicinal use, but contact with or ingestion of large quantities should be avoided. Keep away from pets and children as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats round-leaved wintergreen?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains arbutin, which hydrolises in the body to hydroquinone — a compound that can be toxic in large doses. The foliage has a long history of traditional medicinal use, but contact with or ingestion of large quantities should be avoided. Keep away from pets and children as a precaution. 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 round-leaved wintergreen.

What should I do if my cat ate round-leaved wintergreen?

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 round-leaved wintergreen toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Round-leaved Wintergreen is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full round-leaved wintergreen pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to round-leaved wintergreen?

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 round-leaved wintergreen pet-safety