Is Winterberry Toxic to Cats?

Introduction

Winterberry is a common plant that is widely grown in North America and Europe. It is often used for landscape decoration during the winter season because of its bright red berries. However, many pet owners have concerns about the potential toxicity of this plant to their cats. In this article, we will explore the scientific literature to determine if winterberry is indeed toxic to cats.

What is Winterberry?

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly plant that is native to North America. It is also known as black alder, Canada holly, coralberry, or winterberry holly. This plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and produces bright red berries in the winter. The berries are eaten by birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, but the plant itself is poisonous to humans and pets.

Toxicity of Winterberry

The toxicity of winterberry is due to the presence of a group of chemicals called glycosides, which are found in the leaves and berries of the plant. These glycosides can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, when ingested in large quantities.

Winterberry and Cats

While there is limited scientific research on the toxicity of winterberry specifically to cats, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists winterberry as toxic to cats, along with other holly plants. Symptoms of winterberry toxicity in cats may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors

If cats ingest a large amount of winterberry, they may also experience more severe symptoms, such as seizures and coma.

Prevention

To prevent winterberry toxicity in cats, pet owners should keep their cats away from the plant. If winterberry is present in a pet's environment, steps can be taken to discourage pets from eating it. This includes removing fallen berries from the ground, placing barriers around the plant, or using deterrent sprays that are safe for cats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, winterberry is toxic to cats due to the presence of glycosides in its leaves and berries. While the scientific research on the toxicity of winterberry to cats is limited, the ASPCA lists winterberry as toxic to cats. Pet owners should take steps to prevent their cats from ingesting winterberry, such as keeping the plant out of the pet's environment or using deterrent sprays that are safe for cats.

References

1. Hanrahan, L. A., Gwaltney-Brant, S. M., & Khan, S. A. (2013). Winter berry toxicity in a dog. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 9(1), 64-67.
2. "Winterberry." ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/winterberry.
3. "Ilex verticillata." Missouri Botanical Garden, mobot.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d737.