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
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.
BottlebrushCallistemon viminalisWeeping Red Bottlebrush
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub or small tree
- 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 lead to mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.
Escalation note
Considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.
Escalation note
Considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Weeping 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
The Weeping Bottlebrush is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Official botanical classification and distribution data for Callistemon viminalis.
Questions about Weeping Bottlebrush
Is Weeping Bottlebrush toxic to cats?
Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning no toxic principles are documented that would cause poisoning.
What happens if my cat eats Weeping Bottlebrush?
Symptoms are not expected from small amounts. If your cat ingests a large quantity of the plant's fibrous material, mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset is possible due to the physical bulk, not any toxic compound.
How much Weeping Bottlebrush would cause a problem for my cat?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any issue. Problems, if they occur at all, are associated with consuming significant amounts of fibrous plant material, which can mechanically irritate the digestive tract and trigger mild GI upset.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate Weeping Bottlebrush?
A small amount is not a cause for alarm given this plant is non-toxic. If your cat ate a large quantity and is vomiting, lethargic, or showing signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Is Weeping Bottlebrush toxic to dogs?
Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe for household pets, with no toxic principles documented that would cause poisoning.
What happens if a dog eats Weeping Bottlebrush?
Ingesting small amounts is unlikely to cause any problems. If a dog consumes a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset due to the fibrous bulk, not any toxic compound.
How much Weeping Bottlebrush would make a dog sick?
There is no toxic threshold because the plant is non-toxic. Any GI upset is mechanical — caused by the volume of fibrous material consumed — so a dog would need to eat a significant amount before showing signs of stomach distress.
My dog chewed on Weeping Bottlebrush — do I need to call the vet?
A small amount is very unlikely to cause harm. Monitor your dog for vomiting or lethargy; if symptoms appear or your dog ate a large quantity, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
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.
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.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict
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Achiote
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Amur Maple
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Black Haw
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Black Hawthorn
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Apricot
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.