Is Vitis vinifera toxic to cats?

Yes — vitis vinifera is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. While the ASPCA notes grapevine foliage is not the primary concern, the fruit is dangerous: grapes and raisins (Vitis spp.) cause acute kidney injury in dogs and are treated as toxic, with tartaric acid implicated and effects possible even from small amounts. Because a fruiting grapevine drops grapes within pet reach, treat the plant as toxic; signs include vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure — seek veterinary help urgently.

While the ASPCA notes grapevine foliage is not the primary concern, the fruit is dangerous: grapes and raisins (Vitis spp.) cause acute kidney injury in dogs and are treated as toxic, with tartaric acid implicated and effects possible even from small amounts. Because a fruiting grapevine drops grapes within pet reach, treat the plant as toxic; signs include vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure — seek veterinary help urgently. 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 vitis vinifera.

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: Vitis vinifera is toxic to dogs as well. See the full vitis vinifera 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.