§ Toxic plants · Celastraceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is American bittersweet toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include weakness, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Celastraceae plants toxic to pets
American bittersweet belongs to the Celastraceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about American bittersweet and pets
Is American bittersweet toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists American bittersweet as toxic to cats.
Is American bittersweet toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists American bittersweet as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats American bittersweet?
Signs include weakness, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.