What should I do if my cat ate Japanese Privet?

Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if you observe persistent vomiting, wobbliness, a racing heartbeat, or if a large amount of plant material may have been eaten. Mild GI signs that resolve quickly may not require emergency care, but a same-day call is wise.

What should I do if my dog ate Japanese Privet?

Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if you observe persistent vomiting, wobbliness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if a large amount of plant material may have been eaten. Mild GI signs that resolve quickly may not require an emergency visit.

Japanese Privet — (c) KENPEI, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) — Photo by (c) KENPEI, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA

Photo by (c) KENPEI, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA

Pet safety reference

Japanese Privet

Q: Is Japanese Privet safe for cats?

Japanese Privet is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Q: Is Japanese Privet safe for dogs?

Japanese Privet is potentially toxic to dogs. Consumption of the berries or leaves may cause digestive distress. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure to this plant.

Ligustrum japonicum

Ligustrum japonicum is a popular evergreen shrub often used for hedging, but it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.

Check a list

Japanese privetLigustrum japonicumPrivetWax-leaf privet

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Shrub
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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 abdominal pain.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential lethargy.

Escalation note

Consumption of the berries or leaves may cause digestive distress. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure to this plant.

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

Open source

Privet is listed as toxic to cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal irritation.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Ligustrum japonicum is a large evergreen shrub that is widely used in landscapes but noted for its toxicity to pets.

cats safety page My cat ate Japanese Privet dogs safety page My dog ate Japanese Privet

Often compared with

Japanese Privet vs Common Privet

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Azalea

Rhododendron spp

Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus that contain grayanotoxins, which can cause significant illness if ingested by pets. These plants are highly toxic and require immediate veterinary attention if consumption is suspected.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Barbados Pride

Poinciana gilliesii

Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Boxwood

Buxus spp.

Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub often used for hedging and topiary, containing steroidal alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Castor Bean

Ricinus communis

The African Wonder Tree is a fast-growing ornamental shrub known for its large, palm-like leaves and unique seed pods. It contains ricin, a highly potent toxin found throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the seeds.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.