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Japanese Aucuba
Aucuba japonica
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), also called Japanese laurel or spotted laurel, is a common garden shrub. It is usually only mildly toxic to cats, but chewing the leaves or berries can still cause stomach upset. The plant contains aucubin, an iridoid glycoside. This compound can bother the digestive tract. The bright red berries may be the part a curious cat is most likely to notice. If a cat eats Japanese aucuba, possible signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or mild tiredness. Most cases are not severe, but repeated vomiting or strong diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Keep berries and pruned branches away from cats, and contact a veterinarian if symptoms continue or your cat seems weak.
Important Notes
Toxic compound: aucubin (iridoid glycoside); berries and leaves are the main exposure route
Mechanism: aucubin causes GI irritation; effects are usually mild and self-limiting
Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy; typically mild and self-limiting with small ingestions
Berries are visually appealing to cats — restrict access during berry season
Contact your vet if your cat ingests berries or shows more than mild GI symptoms
Potentially Toxic Parts
All parts of the plant
Fruit / berry
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Gastrointestinal Discomfort (Vomiting, Diarrhea)
Gastrointestinal
Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.