Is Spotted Mandarin toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spotted mandarin 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. Prosartes maculata is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database. North Carolina Extension and other horticultural authorities note the berries are suspected toxic due to the plant's placement within the former Liliaceae; steroidal glycoside compounds are possible. As a precaution, treat all plant parts, especially the berries, as mildly toxic to cats and dogs and prevent ingestion.

Prosartes maculata is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database. North Carolina Extension and other horticultural authorities note the berries are suspected toxic due to the plant's placement within the former Liliaceae; steroidal glycoside compounds are possible. As a precaution, treat all plant parts, especially the berries, as mildly toxic to cats and dogs and prevent ingestion. 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 spotted mandarin.

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: Spotted Mandarin is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full spotted mandarin 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.