Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium
Oregon Grape is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its holly-like leaves and clusters of yellow flowers followed by dark blue berries. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Creeping MahoniaHolly-leaved BarberryMahonia aquifolium
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- 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
None expected, though large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Oregon Grapeis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Non-toxic to dogs and cats.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Mahonia aquifolium is an evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest.
Questions about Oregon Grape
Is Oregon Grape toxic to cats?
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it does not contain compounds known to poison cats.
What happens if my cat eats Oregon Grape berries or leaves?
Large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but no toxic effects are expected. Most cats who nibble on Oregon Grape will experience no symptoms at all.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate Oregon Grape?
A small nibble does not warrant an emergency call, but if your cat consumed a significant amount and is showing vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian. Oregon Grape is non-toxic, so serious illness is not expected.
Which parts of Oregon Grape are safe around cats?
The entire plant — leaves, berries, and stems — is considered non-toxic to cats. That said, non-toxic does not mean beneficial to eat; large ingestions of any fibrous plant matter can still cause mild GI upset.
Is Oregon Grape toxic to dogs?
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning even if your dog chews on the leaves or eats the berries.
What happens if my dog eats Oregon Grape berries or leaves?
No toxic effects are expected. If your dog consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible simply from the bulk of plant matter in the stomach, not from any toxic compound.
Should I call the vet if my dog ate Oregon Grape?
A small nibble is unlikely to warrant a call. If your dog ate a significant quantity and is showing signs of digestive distress — vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy — contact your veterinarian. Because Oregon Grape is non-toxic, this is a comfort-care situation rather than a poisoning emergency.
Does the amount of Oregon Grape my dog eats matter?
Yes, quantity matters even for non-toxic plants. Small amounts are not expected to cause any problem, but large ingestions of fibrous plant matter can cause mild GI upset such as vomiting or loose stools. Non-toxic does not mean harmless in unlimited quantities.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
Autumn Olive is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its silvery foliage and edible berries. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus
Bottlebrush is a popular evergreen shrub known for its unique, spike-like flowers that resemble a cleaning brush. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Camellia
Camellia japonica
Camellia is a popular evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and showy, rose-like flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Creosote Bush
Larrea tridentata
The Creosote Bush is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub native to the deserts of North America, known for its distinct resinous scent after rainfall. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.