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Is Skimmia Pabella toxic to cats?

Skimmia japonica 'Pabella'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists skimmia pabella 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 red berries are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests berries or foliage.

What to do if your cat ate skimmia pabella

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

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

Is skimmia pabella toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is skimmia pabella toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists skimmia pabella 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 red berries are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests berries or foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats skimmia pabella?

Skimmia is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains alkaloids and glycosides, and the red berries are regarded as harmful if eaten; ingestion may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests berries or foliage. 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 pabella.

What should I do if my cat ate skimmia pabella?

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 pabella toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to skimmia pabella?

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 pabella pet-safety