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Pet safety

Is Satomi Dogwood toxic to cats?

Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists satomi dogwood 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. ASPCA lists Cornus species as non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, the ornamental fruits of C. kousa 'Satomi' may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities by pets or children. The species is broadly considered low-hazard.

What to do if your cat ate satomi dogwood

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

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

Is satomi dogwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is satomi dogwood toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists satomi dogwood 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. ASPCA lists Cornus species as non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, the ornamental fruits of C. kousa 'Satomi' may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities by pets or children. The species is broadly considered low-hazard.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats satomi dogwood?

ASPCA lists Cornus species as non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, the ornamental fruits of C. kousa 'Satomi' may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities by pets or children. The species is broadly considered low-hazard. 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 satomi dogwood.

What should I do if my cat ate satomi dogwood?

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 satomi dogwood toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Satomi Dogwood is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full satomi dogwood pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to satomi dogwood?

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 satomi dogwood pet-safety