Is Swamp Tupelo toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists swamp tupelo 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. Nyssa biflora is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Nyssa species, the small dark drupes are an important wildlife food but are not recommended for pet or human consumption. Ingestion of the fruit may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs or cats. No severe toxic principle has been documented in the genus.

Nyssa biflora is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Nyssa species, the small dark drupes are an important wildlife food but are not recommended for pet or human consumption. Ingestion of the fruit may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs or cats. No severe toxic principle has been documented in the genus. 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 swamp tupelo.

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: Swamp Tupelo is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full swamp tupelo 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.