Is Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spiraea betulifolia 'tor' 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. Spiraea betulifolia is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, so its status is uncertain and should be confirmed with a vet before assuming it is safe. No serious toxicity is documented, but ingesting plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

Spiraea betulifolia is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, so its status is uncertain and should be confirmed with a vet before assuming it is safe. No serious toxicity is documented, but ingesting plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; keep pets from chewing it as a precaution. 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 spiraea betulifolia 'tor'.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full spiraea betulifolia 'tor' pet-safety guide for both species.

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.