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Is Snowberry Creeper toxic to cats?

Gaultheria depressa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists snowberry creeper 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 depressa is not individually listed by ASPCA. The Gaultheria genus contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic to dogs and cats in significant amounts. Berries, while edible to wildlife, have no confirmed safety record for domestic animals; treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion by pets.

What to do if your cat ate snowberry creeper

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

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

Is snowberry creeper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is snowberry creeper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists snowberry creeper 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 depressa is not individually listed by ASPCA. The Gaultheria genus contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic to dogs and cats in significant amounts. Berries, while edible to wildlife, have no confirmed safety record for domestic animals; treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion by pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats snowberry creeper?

Gaultheria depressa is not individually listed by ASPCA. The Gaultheria genus contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic to dogs and cats in significant amounts. Berries, while edible to wildlife, have no confirmed safety record for domestic animals; treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion by pets. 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 creeper.

What should I do if my cat ate snowberry creeper?

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 creeper toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to snowberry creeper?

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 creeper pet-safety