Cats
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.
cat safety reference
Is Black Haw safe for cats?
Viburnum lentago
Black Haw is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its clusters of white flowers and dark, edible berries. It is widely considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Black HawNannyberrySheepberryViburnum lentago
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Shrub or small tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Safe for cats — ASPCA lists black haw (Viburnum lentago, also sold as nannyberry or sweet viburnum) as non-toxic to cats with no toxic principle identified. A cat batting at branches or chewing a leaf isn't a poisoning risk.
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.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Black Hawis 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 and Non-Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Black Haw is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Questions about Black Haw
Is Black Haw toxic to cats?
Black Haw (Viburnum lentago) is generally considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as safe with high confidence, meaning occasional contact or small ingestions are not expected to cause harm.
What happens if my cat eats Black Haw berries or leaves?
No toxic effects are typically expected. If your cat consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk, not any toxic compound.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of Black Haw?
Monitor your cat for signs of GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat consumed a significant amount and shows signs of distress or symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Black Haw is safe for cats to eat freely?
Non-toxic does not mean safe in unlimited quantities. Large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, so it is best to discourage your cat from eating Black Haw even though it is not considered poisonous.
Same cat verdict
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