§ Toxic plants · Oleaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is privets toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Privets (Ligustrum spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include drooling, belly pain, diarrhea, dullness or depression, wobbliness or poor coordination and fast heartbeat. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. 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 Oleaceae plants toxic to pets
Privets belongs to the Oleaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about privets and pets
Is privets toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists privets as toxic to cats.
Is privets toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists privets as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats privets?
Signs include drooling, belly pain, diarrhea, dullness or depression, wobbliness or poor coordination and fast heartbeat. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 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.