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 Wahoo safe for cats?
Euonymus occidentalis
Euonymus occidentalis, commonly known as the Western burning bush or Wahoo, is a deciduous shrub containing cardiac glycosides that are harmful if ingested. It is best kept out of reach of all household pets.
Euonymus occidentalisWahooWestern burning bush
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Deciduous shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats — toxic. ASPCA lists wahoo (Euonymus) as toxic to cats; the plant contains alkaloids and cardenolides — cardenolides being the same family of compounds in foxglove that disrupt heart rhythm. Outdoor cats roaming gardens or yards with euonymus shrubs are the most likely to encounter it, and ingestion is worth taking seriously even before symptoms appear.
What to watch for
ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weakness; with larger doses, heart-rhythm abnormalities can occur. Watch for lethargy, reluctance to move, and any pale-gum or rapid/irregular pulse changes that suggest cardiac involvement.
Time window
Exact onset and duration are not well documented in the ASPCA listing.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) on suspicion — earlier is better with cardenolide-containing plants. Treat weakness, an unusual heart rate, or repeated vomiting as urgent.
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, lethargy, and potential cardiac irregularities.
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
Wahoo is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of cardiac glycosides.
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