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.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Eastern Wahoo safe for cats?
Euonymus atropurpurea
Euonymus atropurpurea is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant fall foliage and deep red berries. It contains cardiac glycosides which can be harmful if ingested by pets.
Burning BushEastern WahooEuonymus atropurpureaWahoo
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Deciduous shrub
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Eastern Wahoo (also called Wahoo, Burning Bush, or Spindle Tree) contains alkaloids and cardenolides. In cats, ingestion most often produces GI upset, but larger doses can affect heart rhythm — chewing on the bark, stems, or fruit deserves a vet call.
What to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weakness are the typical signs. Heart rhythm abnormalities can appear with larger ingestions.
Time window
Exact onset and duration are not well documented in the source; gastrointestinal signs typically appear within hours of ingestion.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for any suspected ingestion. Get to an emergency vet immediately if your cat is weak, collapsing, or has an irregular pulse.
Sources: ASPCA (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
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential cardiac arrhythmias.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
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
Burning Bush (Euonymus atropurpurea) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs.
Questions about Eastern Wahoo
Is Eastern Wahoo toxic to cats?
Yes, Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpurea) is toxic to cats. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal distress and, with larger ingestions, heart rhythm abnormalities.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Eastern Wahoo?
Expect vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain as the most common signs, typically appearing within hours of ingestion. Larger ingestions can also cause weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
What should I do if my cat ate Eastern Wahoo?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. If your cat is already weak, collapsing, or has an irregular pulse, go to an emergency vet right away.
Which part of Eastern Wahoo is most dangerous to cats?
The plant contains cardiac glycosides throughout, including in its deep red berries, which are visually attractive and a likely ingestion risk. Exact dose thresholds are not well documented, so any suspected ingestion warrants a call to your vet.
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