Pet safety
Is wayfaring tree toxic to cats?
Viburnum lantana
Mildly. The ASPCA lists wayfaring tree 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. Viburnum lantana is not listed as toxic to dogs or cats by the ASPCA. However, the raw berries may cause mild gastric upset in humans and pets if consumed in quantity; ripe black berries have been eaten historically after cooking. Not a confirmed severe hazard, but supervision is advisable around young children and pets.
What to do if your cat ate wayfaring tree
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move wayfaring tree out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of wayfaring tree to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten wayfaring tree, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is wayfaring tree toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is wayfaring tree toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists wayfaring tree 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. Viburnum lantana is not listed as toxic to dogs or cats by the ASPCA. However, the raw berries may cause mild gastric upset in humans and pets if consumed in quantity; ripe black berries have been eaten historically after cooking. Not a confirmed severe hazard, but supervision is advisable around young children and pets.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats wayfaring tree?
Viburnum lantana is not listed as toxic to dogs or cats by the ASPCA. However, the raw berries may cause mild gastric upset in humans and pets if consumed in quantity; ripe black berries have been eaten historically after cooking. Not a confirmed severe hazard, but supervision is advisable around young children and 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 wayfaring tree.
What should I do if my cat ate wayfaring tree?
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 wayfaring tree toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: wayfaring tree is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full wayfaring tree pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to wayfaring tree?
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 wayfaring tree pet-safety
- Is wayfaring tree toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is wayfaring tree toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate wayfaring tree — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete wayfaring tree care guide