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Is Wintergreen toxic to cats?

Gaultheria procumbens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wintergreen 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. Gaultheria procumbens is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, but contains high concentrations of methyl salicylate — essentially a natural form of aspirin. The berries and leaves are edible for humans in moderation (traditional teaberry flavouring), but the concentrated essential oil is dangerous in small quantities. Cats metabolise salicylates extremely poorly; ingestion of significant amounts of plant material or any wintergreen oil can cause vomiting, metabolic acidosis, hepatic damage, and requires urgent veterinary care. Dogs are also sensitive. Treat as mildly toxic; keep essential oil and concentrated extracts strictly away from all pets.

What to do if your cat ate wintergreen

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

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

Is wintergreen toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wintergreen toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wintergreen 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. Gaultheria procumbens is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, but contains high concentrations of methyl salicylate — essentially a natural form of aspirin. The berries and leaves are edible for humans in moderation (traditional teaberry flavouring), but the concentrated essential oil is dangerous in small quantities. Cats metabolise salicylates extremely poorly; ingestion of significant amounts of plant material or any wintergreen oil can cause vomiting, metabolic acidosis, hepatic damage, and requires urgent veterinary care. Dogs are also sensitive. Treat as mildly toxic; keep essential oil and concentrated extracts strictly away from all pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wintergreen?

Gaultheria procumbens is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, but contains high concentrations of methyl salicylate — essentially a natural form of aspirin. The berries and leaves are edible for humans in moderation (traditional teaberry flavouring), but the concentrated essential oil is dangerous in small quantities. Cats metabolise salicylates extremely poorly; ingestion of significant amounts of plant material or any wintergreen oil can cause vomiting, metabolic acidosis, hepatic damage, and requires urgent veterinary care. Dogs are also sensitive. Treat as mildly toxic; keep essential oil and concentrated extracts strictly away from all 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 wintergreen.

What should I do if my cat ate wintergreen?

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 wintergreen toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wintergreen is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full wintergreen pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wintergreen?

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 wintergreen pet-safety