Bullbrier — (c) botanygirl, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by botanygirl
Photo by (c) botanygirl, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by botanygirliNaturalistCC BY
cat safety reference

Is Bullbrier safe for cats?

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

Cats

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

What this means for your cat

Cats are not poisoned by Bullbrier — ASPCA classifies Smilax rotundifolia as non-toxic to cats and identifies no toxic principle. The thorny canes and waxy leaves rarely tempt cats, but a curious chew is not a poisoning concern; the worst expected outcome is a small scratch or a self-limiting case of stomach upset from raw plant fiber.

Sources: ASPCA.

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.

Catsconcern 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.

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

Open source

Bullbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Smilax rotundifolia is a deciduous, woody vine known for its thorns and climbing habit.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

Same cat verdict

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