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Is Wintertime prickly heath toxic to cats?

Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime'

Toxic to cats

Yes — wintertime prickly heath is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Berries and foliage of Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime' contain toxic compounds causing gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA under this cultivar name but the species is widely documented as toxic by horticultural and veterinary authorities. The large white berries are ornamental, not edible. Contact a vet immediately if a pet or child ingests berries.

What to do if your cat ate wintertime prickly heath

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

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

Is wintertime prickly heath toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wintertime prickly heath toxic to cats?

Yes — wintertime prickly heath is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Berries and foliage of Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime' contain toxic compounds causing gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA under this cultivar name but the species is widely documented as toxic by horticultural and veterinary authorities. The large white berries are ornamental, not edible. Contact a vet immediately if a pet or child ingests berries.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wintertime prickly heath?

Berries and foliage of Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime' contain toxic compounds causing gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA under this cultivar name but the species is widely documented as toxic by horticultural and veterinary authorities. The large white berries are ornamental, not edible. Contact a vet immediately if a pet or child ingests berries. 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 wintertime prickly heath.

What should I do if my cat ate wintertime prickly heath?

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 wintertime prickly heath toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wintertime prickly heath is toxic to dogs as well. See the full wintertime prickly heath pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wintertime prickly heath?

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 wintertime prickly heath pet-safety