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Is Strawberry Ground Cherry toxic to cats?

Physalis grisea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists strawberry ground cherry 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. Physalis grisea is a Solanaceae member. Unripe green fruits, leaves, and stems contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids that are mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing GI upset, vomiting, and hypersalivation. Ripe golden fruit is edible for humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA; treat all green plant parts with caution around pets.

What to do if your cat ate strawberry ground cherry

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

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

Is strawberry ground cherry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is strawberry ground cherry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists strawberry ground cherry 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. Physalis grisea is a Solanaceae member. Unripe green fruits, leaves, and stems contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids that are mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing GI upset, vomiting, and hypersalivation. Ripe golden fruit is edible for humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA; treat all green plant parts with caution around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats strawberry ground cherry?

Physalis grisea is a Solanaceae member. Unripe green fruits, leaves, and stems contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids that are mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing GI upset, vomiting, and hypersalivation. Ripe golden fruit is edible for humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA; treat all green plant parts with caution around 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 strawberry ground cherry.

What should I do if my cat ate strawberry ground cherry?

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 strawberry ground cherry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Strawberry Ground Cherry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full strawberry ground cherry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to strawberry ground cherry?

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 strawberry ground cherry pet-safety