Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus
Bottlebrush is a popular evergreen shrub known for its unique, spike-like flowers that resemble a cleaning brush. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Callistemon citrinusCrimson BottlebrushLemon Bottlebrush
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Bring it home
Bottlebrushis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Bottlebrush is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical nomenclature for Callistemon citrinus.
Questions about Bottlebrush
Is bottlebrush toxic to cats?
Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) is non-toxic to cats. It is generally considered safe, and no toxic principles have been identified in this plant.
What happens if my cat eats bottlebrush?
No symptoms are expected from small nibbles. If your cat consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk and texture, not any toxic compound.
How much bottlebrush would make a cat sick?
Bottlebrush is non-toxic, so any GI upset is related to quantity rather than poisoning. Large ingestions of fibrous plant matter can irritate the digestive tract; small amounts are unlikely to cause any reaction at all.
What should I do if my cat ate a lot of bottlebrush?
Monitor your cat for vomiting or diarrhea, which can occur after eating large amounts of fibrous plant material. If your cat shows signs of distress or symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Is bottlebrush toxic to dogs?
Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) is non-toxic to dogs. It is generally considered safe, and no toxic compounds have been identified in this plant based on available data.
What happens if a dog eats bottlebrush?
Symptoms are not expected from small amounts. If a dog eats a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the physical bulk rather than any toxic compound.
How much bottlebrush would make a dog sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction. Digestive upset — vomiting or loose stools — is only expected if a significant amount of the fibrous material is consumed; the concern is mechanical GI irritation, not toxicity.
What should I do if my dog ate a lot of bottlebrush?
Monitor your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress. If symptoms appear or your dog ate a very large amount, contact your veterinarian as a precaution; this plant is non-toxic, so serious outcomes are not expected.
Same genus
More from the Callistemon genus
Bottlebrush
Callistemon species
Bottlebrush is a popular ornamental shrub known for its unique, spike-like flowers that resemble traditional bottle-cleaning brushes. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Uncertain for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.
Weeping Bottlebrush
Callistemon viminalis
The Weeping Bottlebrush is a popular ornamental shrub known for its unique, brush-like flowers that resemble traditional bottle cleaners. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
Autumn Olive is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its silvery foliage and edible berries. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Camellia
Camellia japonica
Camellia is a popular evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and showy, rose-like flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Creosote Bush
Larrea tridentata
The Creosote Bush is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub native to the deserts of North America, known for its distinct resinous scent after rainfall. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Flame of the Woods
Ixora coccinea
Flame of the Woods is a popular tropical shrub known for its vibrant, dense clusters of star-shaped flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
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Cucurbita pepo
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Apple
Malus sylvestris
The apple tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its edible fruit, though the seeds and foliage contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. While the fruit flesh is generally safe, the plant parts containing amygdalin pose a risk to pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
The apricot tree is a fruit-bearing species in the rose family. While the fruit flesh is generally considered safe, the stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.