Cats & Dogs
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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
American Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
American Bittersweet is a woody vine native to North America, often recognized for its vibrant orange and red fruit capsules. While ornamental, all parts of the plant are considered toxic to pets if ingested.
American BittersweetCelastrus scandensClimbing Bittersweet
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Climbing vine
- Care
- Low
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
Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential gastrointestinal distress.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant stomach upset; contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Consumption of the berries or foliage may cause gastrointestinal irritation; please consult a veterinarian for professional guidance if ingestion occurs.
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
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
American Bittersweet is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Celastrus scandens is a deciduous woody vine that produces showy orange-red fruit capsules, noted for its toxicity if ingested.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Clematis
Clematis spp.
Clematis is a genus of popular flowering vines known for their showy blooms and climbing habit. While beautiful in the garden, they contain irritant compounds that can cause discomfort if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Leatherflower
Clematis sp.
Clematis is a genus of climbing vines known for their showy, star-shaped flowers. While popular in gardens, all parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Rosary Pea
Abrus precatorius
The Rosary Pea is a climbing vine known for its highly toxic seeds, which contain the potent protein abrin. Due to the extreme danger posed by the seeds, this plant should be kept strictly out of reach of all pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.