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Is Samdal Elderberry toxic to cats?

Sambucus nigra 'Samdal'

Toxic to cats

Yes — samdal elderberry 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. All raw parts of Sambucus nigra — leaves, bark, unripe berries, and seeds — contain cyanogenic glycosides and irritant terpenoids. Raw berries cause vomiting and diarrhoea in humans, dogs, and cats; elderberry is listed as toxic to cats by the Pet Poison Helpline. Ripe berries are safe for humans only after thorough cooking. Keep plants and raw fruit away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate samdal elderberry

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

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

Is samdal elderberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is samdal elderberry toxic to cats?

Yes — samdal elderberry is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All raw parts of Sambucus nigra — leaves, bark, unripe berries, and seeds — contain cyanogenic glycosides and irritant terpenoids. Raw berries cause vomiting and diarrhoea in humans, dogs, and cats; elderberry is listed as toxic to cats by the Pet Poison Helpline. Ripe berries are safe for humans only after thorough cooking. Keep plants and raw fruit away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats samdal elderberry?

All raw parts of Sambucus nigra — leaves, bark, unripe berries, and seeds — contain cyanogenic glycosides and irritant terpenoids. Raw berries cause vomiting and diarrhoea in humans, dogs, and cats; elderberry is listed as toxic to cats by the Pet Poison Helpline. Ripe berries are safe for humans only after thorough cooking. Keep plants and raw fruit away from pets. 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 samdal elderberry.

What should I do if my cat ate samdal elderberry?

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 samdal elderberry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Samdal Elderberry is toxic to dogs as well. See the full samdal elderberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to samdal elderberry?

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 samdal elderberry pet-safety