Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Devil's Walking Stick safe for cats?
Aralia spinosa
Aralia spinosa is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its large, compound leaves and spiny stems. It is often found in woodland settings and is considered toxic to pets if ingested.
Aralia spinosaDevil's Walking StickHercules' ClubPrickly Ash
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Upright shrub or small tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Devil's walking stick is rated as low-toxicity for cats — chewing the bark or eating the unripe berries usually causes only mild stomach upset. The plant's stout spines and skin-irritating bark are at least as much of a hazard as the toxin itself.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea after a cat chews on bark, roots, or unripe fruit. Brief skin or oral irritation is also possible from contact with the bark or sap, but tends to fade within minutes.
Time window
Skin or oral irritation tends to be brief, lasting only minutes per the cited source. Onset and duration of GI signs aren't well documented.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian if vomiting persists more than a few hours, your cat won't eat, or you see deep puncture wounds from the plant's thorns. ASPCA does not list this species; reach ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) for case-specific guidance.
Sources: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Aralia spinosa is a native North American shrub characterized by its thorny stems and large, bipinnately compound leaves.
Questions about Devil's Walking Stick
Is Devil's Walking Stick toxic to cats?
Yes, Devil's Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) is considered toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, and the plant's spiny stems pose an additional physical hazard.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Devil's Walking Stick?
Watch for drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing — the most commonly reported signs. Chewing on bark, roots, or unripe fruit can also trigger gastrointestinal distress, while contact with the bark or sap may cause brief oral or skin irritation that typically fades within minutes.
What should I do if my cat ate Devil's Walking Stick?
Remove your cat from the plant and rinse their mouth with water if they'll allow it. Call your veterinarian right away, or contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 for case-specific guidance — Aralia spinosa is not currently listed in the ASPCA database, so a poison control specialist can help assess the risk.
Are the thorns on Devil's Walking Stick dangerous to cats as well as the leaves?
Yes — beyond the toxicity from ingestion, the plant's prominent spines can cause puncture wounds. Call your vet if you notice deep wounds from the thorns in addition to any signs of ingestion like drooling or vomiting.
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