Is Baneberry Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Doll’s Eyes, White Baneberry, Red Baneberry, Actaea pachypoda · Actaea pachypoda
What makes it toxic
Protoanemonin-forming glycosides and cardiogenic compounds in the berries and plant tissue. They act as strong gastrointestinal irritants, and larger doses have been linked to cardiac effects.
Warning signs to watch for
Burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain soon after eating berries. Larger ingestions may add dizziness, weakness, irregular heartbeat and, rarely, seizures.
What to do if your cat eats it
Rinse the mouth with water, remove berries or plant material and call your vet or a pet poison line the same day. Seek care urgently if the cat becomes weak, wobbly or breathes abnormally.
Common questions
Are a few baneberry berries dangerous to a cat?
A berry or two usually means mouth irritation and vomiting rather than a crisis, but cats are small, so any berry ingestion warrants a call to the vet for dose guidance.
Is only the fruit toxic?
The berries carry the highest concentration, but leaves, stems and roots also contain the irritating glycosides. Treat the whole plant as unsafe.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.