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Pet safety

Is Shallon toxic to cats?

Gaultheria shallon

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shallon 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. Gaultheria shallon is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database. The ripe berries are edible and used by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and no severe toxicity to pets has been widely documented. However, as with many Ericaceae, large ingestion of leaves or unripe fruit may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Exercise caution and consult a vet if a pet eats a significant quantity.

What to do if your cat ate shallon

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

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

Is shallon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shallon toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shallon 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. Gaultheria shallon is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database. The ripe berries are edible and used by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and no severe toxicity to pets has been widely documented. However, as with many Ericaceae, large ingestion of leaves or unripe fruit may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Exercise caution and consult a vet if a pet eats a significant quantity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shallon?

Gaultheria shallon is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database. The ripe berries are edible and used by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and no severe toxicity to pets has been widely documented. However, as with many Ericaceae, large ingestion of leaves or unripe fruit may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Exercise caution and consult a vet if a pet eats a significant quantity. 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 shallon.

What should I do if my cat ate shallon?

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 shallon toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to shallon?

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 shallon pet-safety