Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Bittersweet Nightshade safe for cats?
Solanum dulcamara
Climbing Nightshade is a perennial vine in the nightshade family known for its star-shaped purple flowers and bright red berries. It contains solanine alkaloids that are harmful to pets if ingested.
Bittersweet NightshadeBlue NightshadeSolanum dulcamaraTrailing Nightshade
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Vining/Climbing
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats — toxic. ASPCA classifies climbing/bittersweet nightshade as toxic to cats; the toxic principle is solanine, a steroidal alkaloid concentrated most heavily in the unripe green berries and leaves. Cats rarely chew bitter foliage on purpose, so most exposures involve a curious cat batting and biting the bright red ripe berries.
What to watch for
ASPCA lists hypersalivation (drooling), vomiting, and diarrhea as the common signs in cats. Less commonly: drowsiness/lethargy, low blood pressure (weak pulse, pale gums), and a slow heart rate. Severe ingestions can progress to weakness, tremors, or trouble breathing — those are emergencies.
Time window
Onset of GI signs is typically within a few hours of ingestion. Recovery from minor exposures can occur within hours; serious cases may take 24–48 hours of supportive veterinary care. Exact timing is not well documented in the ASPCA listing.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) any time you find chewed berries or know your cat ate the plant — and call immediately for a cat that is weak, wobbly, breathing oddly, has very pale gums, or is unresponsive. Don't wait for symptoms if a kitten or small cat ate berries; smaller body mass means a smaller dose to cause trouble.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, tremors or cardiac arrhythmias.
Escalation note
Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the berries, can be dangerous. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect ingestion.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Bittersweet Nightshade contains solanine alkaloids which are toxic to dogs and cats.
Questions about Bittersweet Nightshade
Is Bittersweet Nightshade toxic to cats?
Yes, Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is toxic to cats. It contains solanine alkaloids, and ingestion of any part of the plant — especially the bright red berries — can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, tremors or cardiac arrhythmias.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats Bittersweet Nightshade?
The most common signs are hypersalivation (drooling), vomiting, and diarrhea, typically appearing within a few hours of ingestion. Less common signs include drowsiness, weak pulse, pale gums, and a slow heart rate. Severe ingestions can progress to weakness, tremors, or difficulty breathing, which are emergencies requiring immediate veterinary care.
What should I do if my cat ate Bittersweet Nightshade?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away — don't wait for symptoms to appear, especially if a kitten or small cat ate berries. Minor exposures may resolve within hours, but serious cases can require 24–48 hours of supportive veterinary care.
Are the berries of Bittersweet Nightshade more dangerous to cats than the leaves?
The berries are considered the most dangerous part and are a particular concern because their bright red color can attract curious cats. That said, all parts of the plant contain solanine alkaloids and can be harmful — contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 any time your cat has chewed any part of the plant.
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