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
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.
CatbrierCommon GreenbrierRoundleaf GreenbrierSmilax rotundifolia
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Vining
- 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; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or temporary digestive upset.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount of the plant and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or temporary digestive upset.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount of the plant and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Bullbrieris 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
Bullbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Smilax rotundifolia is a deciduous, woody vine known for its thorns and climbing habit.
Questions about Bullbrier
Is bullbrier toxic to cats?
Bullbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your cat chews on or ingests it.
What happens if my cat eats bullbrier?
Ingesting small amounts is unlikely to cause any problem. If your cat eats a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or temporary digestive upset is possible due to the physical bulk of the plant rather than any toxic compound.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate bullbrier?
A brief nibble on bullbrier does not require an emergency call. If your cat consumed a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting, lethargy, or distress that doesn't resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian to rule out a mechanical GI issue.
What part of bullbrier could bother my cat?
No part of bullbrier is considered toxic to cats, but the plant's tough, fibrous stems and leaves are the most likely culprits for any digestive upset if eaten in quantity — the prickly stems could also cause minor mouth irritation from the physical spines rather than any chemical toxin.
Is bullbrier toxic to dogs?
Bullbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your dog chews on or ingests parts of the plant.
What happens if my dog eats bullbrier?
No toxic symptoms are expected, but ingesting large amounts of the plant's fibrous material may cause mild vomiting or temporary digestive upset. These effects are due to the physical bulk of the plant, not a toxic compound.
Should I be worried if my dog ate bullbrier?
Most dogs that nibble bullbrier will be fine. If your dog consumed a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting, lethargy, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Are the prickly stems of bullbrier dangerous to dogs?
The prickly stems of bullbrier pose a minor physical hazard — thorns could irritate your dog's mouth, gums, or digestive tract if swallowed — but the plant itself contains no known toxic compounds harmful to dogs.
Same genus
More from the Smilax genus
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.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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.
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.
Same safety verdict
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Acorn Squash
Cucurbita pepo
Acorn squash is a popular edible winter squash known for its ribbed, dark green skin and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. It is widely cultivated for culinary use and is considered safe for household pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Banana Squash
Cucurbita maxima var. banana
Banana squash is a large, edible winter squash variety known for its elongated shape and sweet, dense flesh. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of raw plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bur Gourd
Cucumis anguria
Bur Gourd is a vining plant in the cucumber family known for its small, spiky, edible fruits. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Buckeye
Aesculus spp
Buckeye trees and shrubs contain toxic glycosides and saponins that affect the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds and leaves, are considered poisonous if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Black Locust
Robinia spp.
Robinia species, commonly known as locust trees, contain toxic proteins and alkaloids throughout the bark, leaves, and seeds. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal and neurological distress in pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Canary Date Palm
Phoenix canariensis
The Canary Date Palm is a popular ornamental palm known for its massive, feathery fronds and sturdy trunk. While it is considered non-toxic to pets, its fibrous foliage can cause mechanical irritation if ingested in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Japanese Mock Orange
Pittosporum tobira
Japanese Mock Orange is a popular evergreen shrub known for its fragrant, citrus-like flowers and glossy, leathery foliage. It is considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Not yet rated for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.