What should I do if my cat ate Maleberry?

Remove any remaining plant material from your cat's mouth and save a sample of the leaves to show the vet. Head straight to the clinic. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) or your vet immediately on any suspected ingestion — even a few leaves can cause cardiac effects. Go in right away for weakness, collapse, abnormal breathing, or a slow or fluttering heartbeat.

What should I do if my dog ate Maleberry?

Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and bring a sample (a leaf or piece of stem) to the clinic for ID. Do not give anything by mouth and do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately on any ingestion. Treat collapse, irregular breathing, persistent vomiting, or any change in heart rate or rhythm as an emergency — go to the nearest clinic.

Maleberry — (c) Bob Peterson, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) Bob Peterson, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Bob Peterson, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Maleberry

Q: Is Maleberry safe for cats?

Maleberry is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion of grayanotoxins can lead to serious systemic effects; contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Q: Is Maleberry safe for dogs?

Maleberry is potentially toxic to dogs. The presence of grayanotoxins makes this plant dangerous to dogs; seek veterinary care promptly if ingestion occurs.

Lyonia sp.

Maleberry is a deciduous shrub in the heath family known for its clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. It contains grayanotoxins, which can cause significant illness if ingested by pets.

Check a list

FetterbushLyonia sp.MaleberryStaggerbush

Light: Partial shade to full sun
Habit: Deciduous 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

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potential cardiac arrhythmias.

Escalation note

Ingestion of grayanotoxins can lead to serious systemic effects; contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.

Escalation note

The presence of grayanotoxins makes this plant dangerous to dogs; seek veterinary care promptly 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

Open source

Maleberry (Lyonia sp.) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of grayanotoxins.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Lyonia ligustrina, commonly known as maleberry, is a native shrub that is part of the Ericaceae family.

cats safety page My cat ate Maleberry dogs safety page My dog ate Maleberry

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Share the alias "fetterbush".

Doghobble

Leucothoe spp.

Leucothoe is a genus of evergreen shrubs known for their arching branches and drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These plants contain grayanotoxins, which are harmful if ingested by household pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Eastern Wahoo

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.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

Hydrangea arborescens is a deciduous shrub known for its large, rounded clusters of white flowers. It contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Wahoo

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.

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.