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Is Skimmia japonica Rubella toxic to cats?

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists skimmia japonica rubella 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. Skimmia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains alkaloids and glycosides, and the berries (absent on this male clone) are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion of plant parts may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet chews it.

What to do if your cat ate skimmia japonica rubella

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

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

Is skimmia japonica rubella toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is skimmia japonica rubella toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists skimmia japonica rubella 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. Skimmia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains alkaloids and glycosides, and the berries (absent on this male clone) are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion of plant parts may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet chews it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats skimmia japonica rubella?

Skimmia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains alkaloids and glycosides, and the berries (absent on this male clone) are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion of plant parts may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet chews it. 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 skimmia japonica rubella.

What should I do if my cat ate skimmia japonica rubella?

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 skimmia japonica rubella toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Skimmia japonica Rubella is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full skimmia japonica rubella pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to skimmia japonica rubella?

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 skimmia japonica rubella pet-safety