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
Bamboo Vine
Smilax laurifolia
Smilax laurifolia is a woody, climbing vine known for its tough, leathery leaves and thorny stems. While generally considered safe for pets, its fibrous nature can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Bamboo VineBlaspheme-vineLaurel-leaf GreenbrierSmilax laurifolia
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Vining, climbing
- 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. In rare cases of large ingestion, mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the fibrous plant material.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected. Large ingestions of fibrous stems or leaves may result in temporary gastrointestinal upset.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large amount and exhibits persistent digestive issues, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Bamboo Vineis 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
Bamboo Vine is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Smilax laurifolia is a native evergreen vine that thrives in wet, acidic soils and is characterized by its leathery, laurel-like leaves.
Questions about Bamboo Vine
Is Bamboo Vine toxic to cats?
No, Bamboo Vine (Smilax laurifolia) is non-toxic to cats. It is generally considered safe, with no toxic principles documented for felines.
What happens if my cat eats Bamboo Vine?
In most cases, nothing serious — Bamboo Vine is non-toxic to cats. In rare cases where a cat consumes a large amount, the fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea that typically resolves on its own.
What should I do if my cat ate a lot of Bamboo Vine?
Monitor your cat for signs of GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Because this plant is non-toxic, serious harm is not expected, but if your cat shows persistent distress or unusual symptoms after eating a significant quantity, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Can the thorny stems of Bamboo Vine hurt my cat?
Smilax laurifolia has tough, thorny stems that could potentially cause physical irritation or minor mouth/throat injury if chewed — though no toxic effects are expected. If your cat has chewed on the stems and seems uncomfortable, check for any visible mouth irritation and consult your vet if it persists.
Is bamboo vine toxic to dogs?
Bamboo vine (Smilax laurifolia) is non-toxic to dogs. It is generally considered safe, and no toxic compounds are documented for this plant.
What happens if a dog eats bamboo vine?
No symptoms are expected from small amounts. If a dog consumes a large quantity of the fibrous stems or leaves, temporary gastrointestinal upset is possible due to the plant's tough, fibrous nature rather than any toxic principle.
How much bamboo vine would cause a problem for a dog?
There is no documented toxic dose because the plant is non-toxic. Problems, if any, are mechanical — large ingestions of tough, fibrous material can cause temporary digestive discomfort in any dog regardless of the plant's safety profile.
Should I call my vet if my dog ate bamboo vine?
A small nibble does not warrant an emergency call. If your dog ate a large amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy that does not resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.
Same genus
More from the Smilax genus
Bristly Greenbrier
Smilax hispida
Bristly Greenbrier is a woody, climbing vine native to North America, often found in thickets and woodlands. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bullbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
Bullbrier is a hardy, woody vine native to North America, often recognized by its prickly stems and rounded leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cat Brier
Smilax glabra
Cat Brier is a hardy, woody vine known for its tough stems and foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Greenbrier
Smilax sp.
Greenbrier is a genus of woody, often thorny vines known for their resilience and climbing habit. While generally considered safe for pets, the fibrous nature of the plant can cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
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Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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