Is Burning Bush Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Winged Euonymus, Winged Spindle · Euonymus alatus
What makes it toxic
Alkaloids and cardenolide-like compounds, strongest in the seeds and bark. They irritate the digestive tract and in larger amounts affect the heart rhythm.
Warning signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and weakness within hours. Significant ingestions may add tremors, slow or irregular heartbeat and lethargy.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material and offer water. Call your vet the same day for any confirmed chewing; treat irregular heartbeat, collapse or severe weakness as an emergency.
Common questions
Are burning bush berries the most dangerous part?
The seeds inside the red capsules are the most concentrated source of toxins, so berry eating is the riskiest behavior. Foliage and bark are also unsafe.
Is burning bush the same plant as regular euonymus?
It is a Euonymus species, so it shares the same toxic compounds as spindle tree and wintercreeper. Treat all euonymus as toxic to pets.
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.