Japanese Aucuba

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Gastrointestinal Discomfort (Vomiting, Diarrhea) ◦ The toxic compound, aucubin, is found throughout the plant but is concentrated in the fruit (scarlet berries). ◦ Treatment usually involves antiemetics (to stop vomiting) and fluid therapy for rehydration if the case is severe, but often no treatment is needed for small ingestions.

Important notes

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.

• 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