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Pet safety

Is Silver Pagoda Dogwood toxic to cats?

Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists silver pagoda 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. Cornus alternifolia and its cultivars are not prominently listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats. The blue-black berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting) if consumed in quantity by pets or children, as is common with many berry-producing ornamentals. No severe toxicity is documented. As a precaution, monitor pets around ripening fruit in late summer.

What to do if your cat ate silver pagoda dogwood

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

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

Is silver pagoda dogwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is silver pagoda dogwood toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists silver pagoda 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. Cornus alternifolia and its cultivars are not prominently listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats. The blue-black berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting) if consumed in quantity by pets or children, as is common with many berry-producing ornamentals. No severe toxicity is documented. As a precaution, monitor pets around ripening fruit in late summer.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats silver pagoda dogwood?

Cornus alternifolia and its cultivars are not prominently listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats. The blue-black berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting) if consumed in quantity by pets or children, as is common with many berry-producing ornamentals. No severe toxicity is documented. As a precaution, monitor pets around ripening fruit in late summer. 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 silver pagoda dogwood.

What should I do if my cat ate silver pagoda 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 silver pagoda dogwood toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to silver pagoda 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 silver pagoda dogwood pet-safety