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Pet safety

Is Snowberry toxic to cats?

Gaultheria hispida

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists snowberry 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 hispida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with most Gaultheria species, the berries and foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or humans in quantity. No severe systemic toxicity is documented for this species, but caution is advised. Consult a vet if a pet ingests significant amounts.

What to do if your cat ate snowberry

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

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

Is snowberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is snowberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists snowberry 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 hispida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with most Gaultheria species, the berries and foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or humans in quantity. No severe systemic toxicity is documented for this species, but caution is advised. Consult a vet if a pet ingests significant amounts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats snowberry?

Gaultheria hispida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with most Gaultheria species, the berries and foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or humans in quantity. No severe systemic toxicity is documented for this species, but caution is advised. Consult a vet if a pet ingests significant amounts. 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 snowberry.

What should I do if my cat ate snowberry?

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 snowberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to snowberry?

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 snowberry pet-safety