Is Wisley Pearl Gaultheria toxic to cats?

Yes — wisley pearl gaultheria is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Gaultheria hybrids contain methyl salicylate glycosides (the same toxic principle found throughout the genus). Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause vomiting, gastric irritation, haemorrhage, hepatic damage, and anaemia; cats are at heightened risk due to impaired salicylate metabolism. Berries are ornamental only — do not eat, and keep pets away.

Gaultheria hybrids contain methyl salicylate glycosides (the same toxic principle found throughout the genus). Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause vomiting, gastric irritation, haemorrhage, hepatic damage, and anaemia; cats are at heightened risk due to impaired salicylate metabolism. Berries are ornamental only — do not eat, and keep pets away. 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 wisley pearl gaultheria.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK 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: Wisley Pearl Gaultheria is toxic to dogs as well. See the full wisley pearl gaultheria 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.