Red Berried Greenbrier — (c) Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Neptalí Ramírez Marcial
Photo by (c) Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Neptalí Ramírez MarcialiNaturalistCC BY
cat safety reference

Is Red Berried Greenbrier safe for cats?

Smilax walteria

Red Berried Greenbrier is a woody, climbing vine native to the southeastern United States, often recognized by its clusters of bright red berries and thorny stems. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Coral GreenbrierSmilax walteriaWalter's Greenbrier
Light
Partial shade to full sun
Habit
Climbing vine
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 in the clear nibbling Red Berried Greenbrier — ASPCA classifies it as non-toxic to cats, and the leaves and berries are described only as 'low toxicity' if a hungry cat manages to swallow a noticeable amount.

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 diarrhea.

Escalation note

Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Red Berried Greenbrieris 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

Red Berried Greenbrier is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Smilax walteria is a native, woody vine known for its red berries and is generally regarded as safe in the landscape.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

Questions about Red Berried Greenbrier

Is Red Berried Greenbrier toxic to cats?

Red Berried Greenbrier (Smilax walteria) 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 encounters or nibbles on it.

What happens if my cat eats Red Berried Greenbrier berries or leaves?

No toxic symptoms are expected, but ingesting a large amount of the plant's fibrous material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the physical bulk and texture rather than any chemical toxicity.

Should I be worried if my cat chewed on a Red Berried Greenbrier vine?

A small amount is unlikely to cause any problem. If your cat consumed a significant quantity and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Are the red berries on Greenbrier more dangerous to cats than the leaves or stems?

The classification data does not distinguish berry toxicity from the rest of the plant — the whole plant is considered generally safe for cats. That said, non-toxic does not mean beneficial to eat, and large ingestions of any plant material can cause GI upset; monitor your cat and call your vet if symptoms persist.

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