Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Jerusalem Cherry - what should I do?
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, and in severe cases, central nervous system depression or seizures.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the berries or foliage can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
What to watch for
Gastrointestinal signs first: vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and abdominal discomfort (NC State Extension). With larger ingestions or progression, watch for depression, respiratory depression, seizures, possible GI ulceration, and shock (ASPCA).
Time window
Exact onset and duration are not well documented.
When to call the vet
Call immediately if any berries or foliage may have been eaten — Jerusalem cherry's small ripe berries are especially attractive to cats and the most concentrated source of toxin. Seek emergency care for any seizures, severe vomiting, or weakness. Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
What this means for your cat
Cats can be seriously poisoned by Jerusalem cherry — the bright orange-red berries are particularly attractive and especially toxic. ASPCA attributes the toxicity to solanine, with significant ingestions risking GI ulceration, seizures, and shock. NC State Extension confirms the alkaloid toxicity in fruits and leaves.
Sources: NC State Extension, ASPCA (no home first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.